Captured Wwii Sword

[Virginian]

I have two Japanese swords that were captured by my Grandfather during WWII. One is a military issued sword taken from a Captain and the other is a "Family" sword taken from a Major. Several years ago, our small town in Virginia had a temporary Principal at our elementary school. His name was Vic Diehl and he and my wife became friends. One day, he told my wife that he had written books on Japanese swords and my wife told him that I had a couple. Soon after, Vic came to my house to inspect the swords and to remove the handles to check for markings. After seeing the family sword, which I assume is traditional, Vic was amazed. He said that it was the first sword he had ever seen that the handle had never been removed and that he wasn't going to be the first. He said that I should consider having the sword professionally restored and thought it might be worth somewhere in the "5 figure" range. I have a magazine article from soon after the war with my grandfather explaining how he killed the Major during the battle of Bougainville.

 

Not long after, Vic died from brain cancer. He was a great guy and the world lost a lot of knowledge. I told Vic that I had considered trying to find the family of the sword in Japan to possibly reunite it and he recommended keeping it. I guess my questions for the forum are:

1. Where could I have the sword professionally restored?

2. Where could I have the sword appraised?

3. Where is the best place to sell a sword?

Thanks for any help or advice given.

[Guest]

Hi Virginian.,

 

You need to post images of the items.

 

Also maybe best to try in the Military Swords of Japan section.

 

[ROKUJURO]

Hi Virginian,

please sign all posts with your first name and an initial as is requested here.

1. Japanese swords can be restored in Japan. This board can supply recommendations for agents and polishers (not for the military blade).

2. Sword appraisals (SHINSA) are of course made in Japan, but also in the U.S. (not for the military blade)

3. There are several ways. A good place could be one where you get the highest price which could be a specialized auction house. But my personal opinion is that the sword should go to someone who takes good care of it and preserves it for future generations. You might find someone like that here in the 'FOR SALE' section. 
E-Bay should not be considered unless you are a specialist.


All the best!

[Virginian]

Thanks for the info. I'm not sure I'd be comfortable sending the sword overseas, or even shipping it within the States. I had considered lending/donating it to the Marine Corps Museum, but they make it clear that it may never see the light of day. I'd rather have it in my gun safe, than in a museum basement. If I ever decided to sell it, I can guarantee you that it wouldn't go on eBay. I have no need to sell it, but would rather see it go to someone who would appreciate it. I served on Okinawa Japan as a Marine over 30 years ago and enjoyed and respected the culture, but swords aren't "my thing".

 

I tried posting pictures from my phone earlier with no luck. I'll try to figure it out in the next couple days.

 

Take care,

George VO  

[PNSSHOGUN]

Hi George, pictures can be posted easier on mobile by using the "Full version" of the site rather than mobile which is at the bottom of the home screen. Make sure to hit "more reply options" in the next post you make and then you have to "attach photos" then click "add to post" for each photo. 

 

All of the military sword collectors would be mightily interested in seeing these swords, especially with the history behind them.

[Brian]

George,
There are lots of good, highly recommended dealers here on the forum that could handle consignment for you. Suggest making a plan to get it to one of the large US sword shows that happen every year, and there you will get good opinions. Do not donate it to a museum, that is like throwing it away and it will not get any respect.
Collectors are your best bet to make sure it is respected and cared for.
Pm me if you need any advice there.
Try and get some pics uploaded and we'll help where we can. Btw, lots of ex marines here on the forum. Thank you for your service.

[Virginian]

This is the "family" sword that my grandfather took from a Japanese Major. Vic Diehl told me that the handle had never been removed.

George VO

[Prewar70]

Pull that handle!  Pull that handle!  Pull that handle!

[Stephen]

Leave it alone..leave it alone..leave it alone!!!

 

Leave it to whos going to own it. That braid we'll never look the same if you unlace it. Fine looking sword you have.

 

By the by the Rock was my home for a few years as well.

[Grey Doffin]

Hi George,

I don't know the name Vic Diehl from any Japanese sword book and checking online I find he authored a book on German swords and another on Near Eastern swords, but nothing Japanese.  He may have been a great guy but he may not have been the authority you think he was; take his advise on your sword with that in mind.

Grey

[Brian]

Tough one. As Stephen says, you'll never get that cover back the same way. But then again, if it is a good sword...then the blade is the most important thing.
There is something about that blade that says quality, and it looks to be very healthy.
If it were me, i would get it to someone who can make a decent educated evaluation of the work, and give an idea if it may be very good. If so, then I would look at ways to professionally dismount it. So either a sword show, or a qualified polisher like Bob Benson in Hawaii.
I think it is going to be important to find out who made it. But take your time. People on the forum in the USA will tell you not to worry too much about shipping swords within the US, but that is something to discuss. Looks good though. Could be a $1500 Gendaito, or a $5000 older sword. I think 5 figures is extremely optimistic based on just what can be seen there, and probably unlikely.

[vajo]

To leave the handle on the sword and never remove it makes no sense for me.

 

You never see if there is rust under the habaki who destroy the blade slowly. I saw nice blades where machi was rust away.

[Stephen]

Before this taken to no longer org war carry. Lets see if you can capture any activity in the blade.

Added is a shot of hamon and hada..lets see if you bring that out.

It could be in Brian's range or it may be a low end showato.

[PNSSHOGUN]

At first glance the blade looks like Hizen sugata.

[Stephen]

Chris....that should be up to the new owner.

 

George id place it for sale here in for sale section.

[Dave R]

This is the "family" sword that my grandfather took from a Japanese Major. Vic Diehl told me that the handle had never been removed.

George VO

 

 Not removed since 1945 perhaps. These leather covers were put on to preserve the original tsuka/hilt in action, and were expected to be removed out of "the field". Japanese blades were meant to undergo a regular maintenance routine, which involved removal of the hilt for oiling and uchiko. It's a bit like a motor enthusiast saying, "no one ever popped the bonnet/hood" on this car......

[Stephen]

Nobody disputes the fact that they're made to take apart. MO was it should be up to new owner if hes selling....if hes keeping

Take the damn thing off!

[Ken-Hawaii]

George, you can check out Bob Benson at http://bushidojapaneseswords.com/about-us.html. He & his people have polished a number of blades for me, & he's about as knowledgeable a person as you'll find in the U.S.

[Dave R]

Nobody disputes the fact that they're made to take apart. MO was it should be up to new owner if hes selling....if hes keeping

Take the damn thing off!

 

Any and every "new owner" will want a look at the Nakago before parting with any money. It might be best for the hilt  to come off  carefully and at leisure, rather than hurriedly in a market environment. You never know what will be revealed either..

[Stephen]

Hes kicking around taking to tampa show, sorry if you all disagree. 

[Brian]

I think we all agree, actually.

[Stephen]

Should rephrase that sorry you're not going to see it right away hehe

[Virginian]

Thanks for all the suggestions, info and comments. I have no intention of removing the handle, but might be sending it to an expert to be polished and identified. I have received several private messages about qualified experts and I'm weighing that info. I looked for information on the show page about the Tampa show, but couldn't find an upcoming show. Any info on that would be appreciated. I posted pictures of the other sword that I assumed was a military model on the Military Sword page, only to find out it was a civilian sword. I'm sure there are people in the world that know less than me about these swords, but it would probably take awhile to find one.

Thanks again,

George VO

[DRDave]

https://www.southeastshowsauctions.com/nthk-shinsa-2019.html

[shakudo]

Hi all, just an aside on this post. How do we determine that a blade is a family blade? Regards Michael