Additional information?

[Al924]

I have recently inherited this sword from my grandfather. He acquired the it while serving on the USS Barataria during WWII. My dad was over today and we took it apart so I could find more information about its origin and history. There were markings on both sides once we took it apart. It was kind of hard to read, so we tried multiple lighting and photo angles. We’d love to know anything about its origin and history. In particular, there is a red dot on the hilt and we have no idea what it is or why it is there, but it looks like blood.

[Nobody]

濃州三品義昭作之 – Mishina Yoshiaki in Noshu (Mino province) made this.

 

He was one of the WWII smiths (RJT).

[Bruce Pennington]

The blade is in Type 98 Japanese officer fittings, and the blue and brown tassel was used by captains and lieutenants. Your sword is not dated, but from the small stamp at the top I can tell you it was made between 1935 and 1942, with the most likely dates of 1940 and 41.

 

You can read about the Type 98 on this website. Lots of history and pictures:

Japanese officer sword-type 98

 

Good site for care and cleaning:

Japanese sword care guide

[Brian]

That stamp above the signature (deepest one I have seen yet) shows that it was a more mass produced sword, not fully traditionally made as opposed to a gendaito. But it appears to be in decent condition and polish, so a nice one of the sort. No blood...the markings in paint are assembly markings and arsenal markings, nothing of any real concern.

[Al924]

Thank you all! I’m sharing all this info with my dad and he’s really enjoying learning about it. There was only one peg, but there are two peg holes. I don’t think we’re missing a peg, so what is the purpose of the other? 

[Brian]

Swords were remounted in different fittings many times in their lives, as well as being shortened according to needs or fashions of the time. New handle mekugi ana/hole seldom lines up with the original hole in the tang, so a new one was drilled. Very very common. Although this one isn't antique, fittings were changed at least once for some reason, leading to the new hole.

[Robert S]

And it looks like your grandfather took good care of it too, which is great to see.  Many ended up in attics, and are not in as good condition.

[2devnul]

Hi,

That is a very attractive Gunto and this comes from a person that don't collect/praise them

 

Koshirae and blade looks to be in a very good condition. Hamon looks really, really nice. You definitely have a great sword and could get a good price if willing to sell it.