Japanese WW2 Guntō sword

[Gelotti]

I'm looking for advice about this Japanese WWII Gunto sword. Is it original or not? Normally, there's a pin through the handle to disassemble it, right? I can find it on this one. I only see two white buttons on one side at the top of the handle, but I can't remove them.
Any help is appreciated.

 

 

 

[Scogg]

Hi @Gelotti

 

Im going to relocate this topic to the military swords of Japan section; where I think you will get better feedback. 
 

It appears to be a real Type 98 Gunto tsuka. If you can show the blade and tang it will help get you the most information.
 

The white “buttons” are nodes from the samegawa (ray skin), and you do not want to remove those.

The part you want to remove is the bamboo pin indicated in the image below. In the right image it appears to be partially covered by the ito (silk wrap), so removing it may require some careful finesse. The bamboo pin is slightly conical, which means it will only come out in one direction. Based on the orientation shown, it most likely needs to be pushed toward you in the left image.
 

Best of luck,

-Sam

 

[John C]

Johan:

Frome those pics, it looks like a legit type 98. You might look at the area marked in the pic for a mekugi. It would ba an unusual place, but could be. You could also try peeking under some of the wrap to see if it is hidden.

 

John C.

[PNSSHOGUN]

Looks like the style of Koshirae made by Wakase Fittings Company, may be something promising.