Can anyone help id

[Mkmoore00]

Hello all.  Can anyone help Id this sword. My grandpa brought it home from the war. Anyone know these markings?  Didnt see any engraving. 

[Bugyotsuji]

Hi Mike, Check out this recent thread. Your white numbers are 五六 or 56.

 

 

[Bruce Pennington]

Mike,

Your sword is a Japanese officer sword Type 98 (could be a 94, but with the second belt suspension loop missing, as they often are).  You can read about all their history and the variations here: http://ohmura-study.net/900.html

 

I'd appreciate seeing more of the blade and saya (scabbard), particularly the tips of both.  The small stamp is the "TO" of the Tokyo Arsenal inspectors.  I'm not used to seeing them on officer blades.  From the limited pictures, your blade could be what's known as a Zohei-to, or factory blade,  You can read more about them

here:

 

and here: http://ohmura-study.net/911.html

[Kiipu]

The 東 inspection mark was introduced in 1932 and continued in use until the end of the war.  It is the final inspection mark used by the Tōkyō Arsenal and the later reincarnation into the Tōkyō 1st Army Arsenal.  It does show up on officer's swords from time to time.  Below is a link to one such 東 stamp.

https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/5999-arsenal-stamps/?do=findComment&comment=60340

 

 

[Mkmoore00]

Thanks guys. Much appreciated. Here is a few more pics. Did t look like that blade was anything special to me. No clay temper ect. There is a 56 on everything. In English 

[Mkmoore00]

[Kiipu]

More than likely, your sword is a 造兵刀 (arsenal sword).  The Tōkyō 1st Army Arsenal did make this type of sword during the war.  Check the top of the tang (nakago mune) for markings.