Another Id Assistance Request

[ChadC]

Hello,

My first post. Glad to have found this message board.

My name is Chad and I live in California.

This sword has been in the family a long time. It went missing for approximately 25 years and was returned a few years ago.

Any info on it would be greatly appreciated....

I have more photos.

 

Thank you!

[ROKUJURO]

Chad,

welcome to the board!

To say something substancial, we would need a lot of detailed photos with the correct lighting plus fullsize ones of each side without HABAKI. Tang photos always tip-up, in case there was a signature to be read.

What can be said right now: The blade seems to be machine-made and the condition looks quite good and free of rust. 

[ChadC]

Thank you for the reply! There is nothing under the Habaki. I'm terrible at taking pictures and using my cell phone doesn't help...

[ChadC]

Some more photos

[IJASWORDS]

Hi Chad, this is a nice looking Navy Kai Gunto with a rust proof (similar to stainless steel) blade. It looks complete and original, a nice sword in any military collection. 

[PNSSHOGUN]

Great example you have there of a Navy officers sword. It's only missing the correct brown tassel, otherwise it would be just about perfect.

[ROKUJURO]

There is nothing under the Habaki....

Chad, 

 

there is steel under the HABAKI, plus a HAMACHI and a MUNEMACHI, so lots of important things to see. 

[ChadC]

Understood...

[ROKUJURO]

Chad,

HAMACHI and MUNEMACHI align perfectly, which is often not the case with non-Japanese copies. So all looks fine for a stainless Navy GUNTO.   

[ChadC]

I appreciate the info.

I'm still reading up on everything I can on terminology, etc, trying to retain most.

We've been wondering what type it was.

Since all the numbers match, I'm guessing that's the serial number? And since I can't speak or read Japanese, is that the signature of the person who made it? Same for on the Saya?

 

Much appreciated,

Chad

[SteveM]

The black handwritten script on the tang is just an assembly number ("1651", by the looks of it). No significance except for the guy or the team or the assembly line from whence this came. 

Similarly, the hand-written notations on the end of the saya look like some kind of part ID. Maybe manufacturer's shorthand indicating the type of saya, or the type of wood. It isn't a name. 

[ChadC]

Great, thanks! Appreciate it! Interesting. I'm so happy to have this info!

 

Last question....what year, approximately was this made? Mid or late war?