How do I get my grandfathers sword he brought back from WW2 valued? I believe he took it off the Japanese officer of a machine nest they took out in New Guinea. Thank you.

[Christine in MN]

[Ed]

First, in order to assess your sword, we (or anyone) must see the sword. The photos you have provided have the handle intact, that won't do.  For identifying the sword, you must remove the tsuka (handle) and ALL fittings including the habaki. The photos should be of nothing but the naked blade. Then take full length photos and clear close ups of the Nakago (tang) and any inscriptions which may be there.

*Note:

Be sure the nakago is oriented correctly, tip up, tang down.

The photos must be in focus and legible.

Do not rub chalk in the inscriptions if there are any.

Edited November 29 by Ed

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Christine,

Look here for a care and handling brochure: https://nbthk-ab2.org/sword-characteristics/

I don't know where in Minnesota you are. I'm in Duluth and would be glad to help if I can.

Cheers, Grey 218-340-1001

[eternal_newbie]

7 hours ago, Grey Doffin said:

Hi Christine,

Look here for a care and handling brochure: https://nbthk-ab2.org/sword-characteristics/

I don't know where in Minnesota you are. I'm in Duluth and would be glad to help if I can.

Cheers, Grey 218-340-1001

 

I can vouch for Grey, he's a consummate professional and over the years has helped many folks here with their valuable antiques, myself included.

[Hector]

Hi Christine, 

It all sounds very confusing at first but try to bear with it! 🙂 

 

Your grandfather's sword looks very interesting and the fact it has pieces missing off the handguard suggests damage incurred when the machine gun nest was taken. (Maybe a grenade?)

 

Anyhow, what you're being asked to do here is look for a little wooden peg that goes through the handle. (It's usually a couple of cm above the hand guard.) Knock that out with a chopstick and a hammer and then try to remove the handle from the blade. Be very careful not to cut yourself as you're doing this! I'd suggest rolling a fresh towel around the naked blade and gaff-taping it to hold it in place.

If the handle doesn't come off easily, try tapping the handguard with a wooden hammer if you have one. Once the handle is removed, take off the other bits and pieces (the handguard, two or more washers and the little wedge shaped piece of metal on the other side of the guard).

Then, try to take a photo of any writing you see chiselled onto the tang (the metal part that was previously hidden by the handle) and also one big photo of the whole naked blade, point upwards.

 

Hope this helps! 😊

 

Best,

Hector