What is this sword, your thoughts please!

[DJL12345]

Please, 

 

What can you tell me about this sword (type/year/use)?

 

And any advise on restoring/caring for the individual parts?

 

All I know about this sword is that it was surrenderd, near the end of WWII, by the commander of a Japanese marine vessel, to the commanding officer of the Dutch submarine that forced their surrender in the area of (at the time) the Dutch East Indies. 

 

I'd like to learn more about the reason for the leather wrapping of the hilt vs more common ito wrapping.  It seems a Type98, wooden saya wrapped in leather, machined blade with no markings. The hilt cap suggests 1945 stressed production.

 

The quality of the sword does not seem one fitting of a commanding officer. Any thoughts on this?

 

Thanks for help!

 

David 

[Ian B3HR2UH]

I think that at best it is something that the Japanese made in the islands during the war years

[PNSSHOGUN]

If you search "island swords" you will find others in this style. If the story can be verified, then it would explain the lack of any normal tsuka ito or samegawa. Unfortunately they aren't really valued as highly as authentic Japanese examples, and fall firmly into the militaria realm of items (think bayonets, machetes, etc. etc.).

[Marcin]

end of war hilts at https://japaneseswordindex.com/military.htm

 

[Bruce Pennington]

On 7/18/2026 at 1:27 AM, DJL12345 said:

the reason for the leather wrapping of the hilt vs more common ito wrapping.  It seems a Type98, wooden saya wrapped in leather, machined blade with no markings. The hilt cap suggests 1945 stressed production.

Hi David!

The other guys have your sword ID'd pretty well already - late war, made in occupied areas of S.E. Asia for either Japanese officer or officer of collaboration forces.  It is quite common to see them with solid wooden handles covered in leather, just like yours.  

 

3 hours ago, Marcin said:

end of war hilts at https://japaneseswordindex.com/military.htm

 

Good eye, Marcin!!!  You nailed it!

[John C]

So the one above is real, and this is fake?

 

Talk about a topsy turvy world. 

 

John C.

[DJL12345]

Thanks all for your thoughts and input!

 

Happy to know with a bit more certainty what sword I have here. 

 

Finally, any advise along the linesof patching this sword up?

 

Have a good one! 

 

David 

 

[Bruce Pennington]

16 hours ago, DJL12345 said:

any advise along the lines of patching this sword up?

Not sure what you want to patch up, David?  I don't see any missing parts.  I take mine apart and use chogi oil and a rag on all metal parts, removing dirt and grime, and giving them a coat of protection against rust.

 

See this for care and cleaning: Japanese Sword Care.

[DJL12345]

Exactly what I wanted to know! Thank you Bruce! Appreciate the link.