Identification of this sword

[Patti88]

Hello everybody. My family found my grand dad's dagger and sword collection. On the pictures attached you can see it is not in the best condition, after doing some research it seems to be a Japanese shin gunto type 98? Based on the pictures, could somebody verify any more about the sword (is it even real)? Many thanks in advance for helping us puzzling.

Edited Thursday at 06:58 AM by Patti88

[Yumso]

Hi Patrice, welcome to the forum.
Can you show us the tang too? If you remove the mekugi(the small stick plugged in the handle) you will be able to easily remove the tsuka.
Many other experienced members here would be able to give you more detailed information.

[Patti88]

Hi Yumso, many thanks for your reply. It is actually kind of stuck so I need to try it with some tools after work.

[Conway S]

Hi Patti, 

 

You will need to remove the wood retaining pin from the handle. The pin will only come out one way because it will be wider on one end than the other. Here is a useful video. 
 

Removing The Handle / Tsuka of a Japanese Sword - NihontoAntiques.com #1
 

 

[Lareon]

Hi Patrice,

usually you can get it off without tools even when stuck.

remove the wooden peg from the handle, its a small bamboo rod, make sure you can see light through it once removed. If you cant just check to see if it is in there or just the metal of the sword.

once thats done, i usually put a little bit of choji oil around the opening of the handle and also into the hole.
leave this for a while to soak in.

there is a retaining clip that you release by holding down the small button on the handle, make sure this is pressed. I usually then wrap a towel around the hand guard and press it against the edge of a table, the force of this usually loosens the handle and any rust connections. take is slowly.

obviously be careful of the blade while you do all this. 

another method i use is the rubber hammer method (i dont usually use a rubber hammer)

i usually hold the sword blade vertical and put a towel onto the table i then tap / knock the handguard down onto the table / towel) i do this quite a lot and usually it moves a few mm here and there until it starts to come loose

i find these methods are the best at not damaging the blade or fittings, it's easy to scratch them

[Patti88]

Many thanks for all your friendly replies. I watched the video and I tried to remove the wooden peg. To be sure: it is the part in the picture attached, right? If so, it is really stuck. Tried to get it out with a rubber hammer as well but I'm just scared to damage the wood around the handle. Could that be an indication that the sword isnt legit/ a replica?

Edited Thursday at 08:32 PM by Patti88

[Bazza]

The peg may be bent from someone trying to knock the handle off without first removing the peg.  Not uncommon and I had one recently.  You may have to destroy the peg (mekugi) to remove the handle (tsuka).  Making a new peg from a bamboo chopstick is a sometimes necessity.

 

BaZZa.

[Conway S]

As Barry said, the peg can easily replaced and has no monetary value. I’ve had success using tweezers to pick at the wood until it splinters and then you can remove it piece by piece. 

[Patti88]

Thank you very much. Since it is my first sword I shall try to consulate a local expert. Based on the pictures, you think the sword is real and it is worth to invest some money in it?

[Bazza]

Patrice,

 

It's far too early to tell.  In the Netherlands you have access to some real expertise. Go slowly, clean nothing apart from a light coating of sewing machine oil on the blade.  About the peg/mekugi, support the sword horizontally such that the handle is particularly firmly supported.  With a pin punch or similar round tool slightly smaller than the peg, use a hammer to gently hit the peg.  Gently is the keyword and do this from each side in turn watching for movement.  One side will be the correct, ever-so slightly smaller original side to tap from, but it may be difficult to tell.  Keep working gently and the peg may slowly move.

 

A good indicator is that the habaki (the 'collar' next to the guard /tsuba) is a blue/black colour indicating it is shakudo, or a shakudo foil cover.  Others will pop in with more advice, I'm sure.  Read the extensive Board articles on care before doing too much.  Knowledge is your best ally here.

 

Regards,

BaZZa,

aka Barry Thomas.

[Bruce Pennington]

Hi Patrice,

Your sword is a legit WWII Japanese officer's Type 98 sword.  To those who study WWII and Japanese swords, they are all valuable and worth preservation.  Monetary value can vary greatly depending upon condition of the sword, and sometimes due to the way it was made, and the smith that made it.  That's one reason we are all interested in seeing the nakago (tang).  As a family heirloom, and in honor of your grandfather, I think it's worth putting some time into restoring it to some degree, like having the handle (tsuka) rewrapped.  

 

Having the blade restored, via professional polish, depends on you.  Many collectors like to keep a sword in the condition it came to them, calling it the "Life of the Sword."  Others like to take the time and effort to return their swords to their intended beauty.  I spent 2 years finding missing parts to restore my dad's sword, and even spent the $2,200 to have it polished.  But that was a personal choice.

 

Some before and after shots:

[Patti88]

Wow amazing how your sword has been restored, the polishing isbdefinitely sonething to consider. Many many thanks for your help. I will find a local expert and keep you guys informed.