Looking for the whereabouts of an important Gunto (1000$ bounty)

[Hoshi]

Hello dear militaria collectors, 

 

I am looking to pin down a certain war gunto that has been eluding me to supplement my research. I have decided to try something new. 

 

The piece in question was once photographed (owned?) by Jim Dawson, I have not been able to contact him. Back in the days, it was bearing one of his tags: 

 

 

You can find it on Omura's website

 

In every community, there are usually a few elders who just "know where things are" - if someone could be so kind as to ring one of these grey beards to figure this out, I would be incredibly grateful and will issue a generous reward. 

 

Here is the automated translation of Omura's relevant section: 

 

 

Quote

 

The blade itself is an old wakizashi. As His Highness was a tank officer originating from the Cavalry branch, it appears he carried a short-bladed guntō, as did officers of the Aviation branch. Compared with the splendid mountings, and considering his position as an Imperial Prince general, the blade itself seems somewhat modest. It cannot be ruled out that while in the United States the original blade was sold separately, and another wakizashi of suitable length was later fitted to the koshirae.

Blade Dimensions

• Nagasa (cutting length): approx. 54 cm (1 shaku 7 sun 5 bu)

• Sori (curvature): approx. 1.5 cm

• Motohaba: 27.3 mm

• Sakihaba: 23.5 mm

• Mei: Tomotsugu

• Registered in Heisei 23 (2011)

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This blade had only recently been repatriated and registered in 2011. In the U.S., it was not polished but buffed, leaving the surface in a burnished condition, though the hamon can faintly be discerned.

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This is the wooden tag used by Mr. Jim Dawson in the U.S. for preservation and management. The inscription “Major General Kan’in no Miya” can be read on it.

 

 

 

Has it been repatriated? as in, sold back in Japan - or did the (presumably US-based) owner send it in for papers back in 2011? 

 

Any information that leads to establishing successful contact with the owner, I will pay a bounty reward of 1000$.

 

Please be mindful of privacy, and write to me in PM. 

 

Who doesn't love a good treasure hunt? 

 

Happy hunting! 

 

-Hoshi 

[lonely panet]

so your going to pay 1000 for the sword or for information as to who currantly owns it?

 

because most collectors dont openly tell unknown people what they have and how to contact them. 

 

 

[Hoshi]

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so your going to pay 1000 for the sword or for information as to who currently owns it?

 

For information leading to the successful establishment of contact with the current owner.  

 

Is Jim Dawson still of this world? I have failed to contact him so far. 

 

Hope this helps, 

 

- Hoshi 

 

 

[lonely panet]

jim has always been hard to contact. 

 as im currantly aware hes still in the land of the living.  

 

but honestly your trying to swim up a waterfall with this one.  

 

unless your a decentant to the original owner you might have trouble making headways,  as collectors are always guarded of there " my prescious" 

what other covert must be worth more 

[Hoshi]

Unfortunately I was just made aware of Jim's obituary by a kind member. 

 

https://www.tpwhite.com/obituaries/james-jim-dawson 

 

RIP Jim, thank you for your scholarship. 

 

Quote

 

unless your a decentant to the original owner you might have trouble making headways,  as collectors are always guarded of there " my prescious" 

what other covert must be worth more 

 

 

In my experience, collectors value discovering new information on their treasured "precious" - precisely what I bring to table. Not to mention, connecting with like-minded and knowledgeable people is always a blessing.

 

[Scogg]

Terrible news about Jim Dawson. A huge loss to the community. I love his book… 

 

Best of luck on your treasure hunt. In my experience, many militaria collectors like to brag about their items. So for every “my precious” situation, you also have the “let me tell you a story” collector. 

 

Hope someone on the board has an answer about the sword.

All the best,

-Sam 

[Conway S]

Greetings, 

 

I believe you’ve been misinformed. Jim is very much alive. I just exchanged emails with him a few days ago…. 

[PNSSHOGUN]

Mr Dawson was a US Navy veteran, not airforce. The email I have been able to reach him on is the publisher email provided in his book. Additionally are you sure that site is run by Ohmura San? 

 

Thank you Conway for reassuring my doubts, very glad to hear Jim is still among the living and will no doubt get a laugh at his apparent death!

[Hoshi]

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I believe you’ve been misinformed. Jim is very much alive. I just exchanged emails with him a few days ago…. 

 

Oh my, thank you! That is wonderful to hear! 

 

I must have ended in the spam folder, I will make another attempt.

 

If someone knows...he knows. 

 

[Hoshi]

After reflecting, I believe it is wiser to turn this into a board prize. 

 

(if you're feeling 'rugged' by this rule change, started working ardently, and you need the money, shoot me a PM). 

 

1000$ donated to NMB.   

 

Thank you so much to everyone who has started to help so far! let's make it a community effort. 

[Alex A]

Wow, that's very good of you.

[Lewis B]

A laudable gesture. 

[Kantaro]

I am just a newbee but I am a bit puzzled by this "strange" story...

[Lareon]

I understand the desire kantaro.

 

There was a sword I missed out on purchasing a while back due to a technical issue on a platform. 

 

The sword was something very desirable to me and my study. That sword sits rent free in my mind. I've been tempted before to post to see if one of our members purchased it so I could offer on it. 

[Alex A]

Worth a try Tony. As the old saying goes, if you don't ask you don't get.

[Lareon]

Another time, I've got three swords in Japan for polish and shinsa and just bought a beautiful sword. My wallet needs a rest