Found Japanese sword

[Jess]

Hi there. My great grandfather found this sword inside of a wall of a house on Long Island in the 70’s when they were remodeling.

Found some information about it online leaning towards a Japanese sword (Kyu Gunto?)

Any thoughts on its value? Or any additional info to share ??

cheers 

 

[Lewis B]

Doesn't have an aire of Nihonto to me. 

[Conway S]

Hi Jess,

 

These Type 19 kyu gunto were non-combat swords with plated blades. As can be seen by the throat piece on the scabbard, the scabbard itself would originally have been chrome or nickel plated. These are very common and in its present condition it would probably be worth about  $150. 

[Bruce Pennington]

Jess,

Could you post a photo of the face of the hand guard, better yet, a shot of the backstrap, which also shows the floral work in the hand guard, like this:

 

 

 

 

[Bruce Pennington]

Plimpton called your version an "early model" of the Type 8 Dress Sword.  

 

Most version have more detail on the little curly thingy off the front end of the guard:

 

While most saya (scabbards) were chromed, we have seen several come through with a darkened finish to them.  Hard to say with yours with all the corrosion.

[jawob]

What I want to know is how do these swords end up in walls? 

[Kiipu]

Not unusual here in the States, probably to keep the kids away from them.  I have heard of rifles and swords being found in walls.  One such example was a Type 44 Carbine with the folding bayonet cut off.

 

Another common occurrence was to throw them out in the trash.  Back in the 1950s, my father saved a Japanese rifle that was sticking out of the trash can.  He asked the housewife who answered the door if he could have it and she said go ahead.  She told him it was missing the bolt though.

[vajo]

You could buy a horse and ride down Broadway with this drawn blade, shouting "Everything for the Emperor!"

It would be quite authentic, and you'd be famous instantly.