What can you tell me please

[Dick Grande]

I was just given a samurai sword that my friend found in her grandfather‘s basement. It was sent to her grandfather by her dad in World War II. I have the original box that it was sent in and a letter that is in poor shape, but clearly states that this was mailed to the United States in 1945. I would like to get some information on the swords history.

[Rawa]

Show us nakago. It looks now as gunzoku or similar

 

http://ohmura-study.net/728.html

[ROKUJURO]

My observation is that you are not wearing socks. Otherwise we can see your apartment, but no photos of the blade or the NAKAGO (= tang) of it. It could be a civilian sword, not a military one, but that can only be determined with better photos. More comment is difficult at this time. When making new photos, please use a plain dark background, a dark room and spotlights.

There is a bamboo peg up in the handle which could be pushed out from the smaller side. Then the blade will come loose. Please DO NOT TOUCH THE BLADE WITH YOUR BARE FINGERS as the high-carbon steel can corrode easily! The blade might also be sharp, so be very careful! Use a clean cotton rag if the blade has to be held.

In case you are not used to handling genuine Japanese swords, please ask all questions you might have. 

[Rawa]

1 minute ago, ROKUJURO said:

My observation is that you are not wearing socks. Otherwise we can see your apartment, but no photos of the blade or the NAKAGO (= tang) of it. It is probably a civilian sword, not a military one, so you better post it again in the NIHONTO section with better photos. More comment is difficult at this time. When making new photos, please use a plain dark background, a dark room and spotlights.

There is a bamboo peg up in the handle which could be pushed out from the smaller side. Then the blade will come loose. Please DO NOT TOUCH THE BLADE WITH YOUR BARE FINGERS as the high-carbon steel can corrode easily! The blade might also be sharp, so be very careful! Use a clean cotton rag if the blade has to be held.

In case you are not used to handling genuine Japanese swords, please ask all questions you might have. 

I still would go for civilian sword repurposed for military service. 
Leather cover over normal wooden saya and typical hanger added.

Identical as example at ohmura.

[Bruce Pennington]

Doc,

It would be cool to see shots of the box and letter, too!  

 

Waiting to see the nakago (tang), with everyone else.  Here's some good care tips in the meantime:

Japanese Sword Care - Japaneseswordindex.com