Newbie looking for information

[tliston]

Several years ago, I came into possession of a sword that was brought back from Japan at the end of WWII (I even have a stamped copy of a certificate from Headquarters Yokohama APO 404 entitling the officer to retain possession of the sword along with his signed declaration that he was on duty in the theater prior to V-J day). I honestly know little about the sword, and would appreciate any information anyone could give me. I do not plan to sell it, but only would like to know more information. I have shown it to at least one (supposedly) knowledgeable person who told me that the blade itself was much older than the koshirae (I believe I'm using that term correctly). Any information or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

You can find photos of the piece here: [removed]

 

-tliston

[Grey Doffin]

Tliston,

Definitely an older blade mounted in what might be a mix of WWII and other koshirae. The badly rusted nakago is a problem (a sign of neglect, not age). The blade also looks a bit tired (polished a few too many times) in some of the pictures. It also looks to be a bit longer than standard for WWII blades? I think the habaki is interesting. Make sure there is a pin through the hole in the handle and nakago. This is very important on a Japanese sword. Whittle a chopstick if the original one is missing.

Don't know what else I can tell you from the photos. If someone knowledgeable and trustworthy could see it in hand he could tell you much more.

Grey

[reinhard]

Tliston, the sword is signed on the sashi-omote. This should also be mentioned in accompagning paper(s). I suspect it to be a niji-mei (two-character signature) probably starting with "KUNI", but deterioration and quality of pics make it difficult to see. Better ones might help. For those wanting to join in I post a compilation of your pics, if you don't mind. Searching for pics on linked pages everytime you need them is circumstantial.

Well then, any ideas?

 

reinhard

[tliston]

Grey/Reinhard/et al-

 

Thank you for taking the time to look this over. Hopefully, the attached photo of the area that appears to have a signature is a little better quality-- I'll be the first to admit my shortcomings as a photographer. I tossed a penny into the shot to give some scale cues. A little more information on the sword: Overall assembled length: 37-1/4" (94.615cm) - Blade length: (from tsuba to tip) 27-1/4" (69.215cm).

 

The only "papers" on the sword that I possess are those associated with the U.S. War Department allowing a returning "Intelligence Officer" to bring the sword back home with him, "...[p]ursuant to provisions of Section VI, War Department Circular No. 155, 28 May 1945, as amended by Section VIII, War Department Circular 267, 1945..." They simply describe the sword as being "1 ea. Japanese Samurai Sword w/Scabbard." A pretty cool nostalgic document, but not much help as far as knowing anything interesting about the "1 ea. Japanese Samurai Sword..." :-)

 

Thank you all in advance for your help.

 

-tliston