believed to be ww2 era sword

[nmont01]

any help identifying if it is authentic would be greatly appreciated, and maybe a range of value?

[Ray Singer]

Very blurry, sideways image. I believe it is Noshu ju Kanemitsu kitaeru kore

[Bruce Pennington]

Tried improving it a bit:

[nmont01]

I hope this helps, the seller will have a charcoal of it tomorrow.

[Conway]

Nick, 

 

May I ask what draws your interest to this particular sword? If you’re looking for an entry level sword that displays nicely, I would just like to point out that the missing wrapping on the handle is not an easy or cheap fix. Getting the existing core rewrapped professionally will run $200-300. Finding a replacement handle that fits nicely will require you to lug the sword around to shows with you. I would only buy a WW2 sword of this quality and in this condition if it was very cheap. 

[nmont01]

33 minutes ago, Conway said:

Nick, 

 

May I ask what draws your interest to this particular sword? If you’re looking for an entry level sword that displays nicely, I would just like to point out that the missing wrapping on the handle is not an easy or cheap fix. Getting the existing core rewrapped professionally will run $200-300. Finding a replacement handle that fits nicely will require you to lug the sword around to shows with you. I would only buy a WW2 sword of this quality and in this condition if it was very cheap. 

they sent this to me:

 Well the sword was my grandfather's it came back with him from Papa New Guinea when he was a forward observer in the Red Arrow Division during WWII. The authenticity of it was that he got it from the regiment Commander, during war which he ended up with a bronze star from that time. It's hard to see with the phone as unlike normal factory soldier WWII swords that are stamped, regiment commanders brought their family swords so it isn't stamped. I used AI to translate it and that's how I got the name of the regiment Commander, he is well known family in Japan, his family is still in politics. I do have a charcoal of both sides of the tang, but would have to get that tomorrow as we are busy tonight getting ready for work etc, and have clients in the morning. But would be happy to get that tomorrow for you.

[nmont01]

Shiira Masaaki Regiment Commander stationed in Philippines age 27. Grandfather got this off him in WWII while stationed in Red Arrow Division as a forward observer in Papau New Guinea and surrounding areas. Family sword from Shiira Masaaki lineage not factory made for troops.

[Bruce Pennington]

Nick,

The sword is a Japanese officer Type 98.  You can read up on those on Ohmura's site: Army Officer Shingunto - 1938

Care and cleaning: Japanese sword Care

 

There are three Kanemitsu smiths that worked WWII in Sesko's list.  A good clear photo of the signature might help ID which one.  If you will take a couple good, clear close-ups of the blade body, showing hamon (temper line) and steel texture, we might be able to make a guess as to whether the blade was made traditionally or not.

 

Values vary with what we find.  Non-traditional bladed gunto sell anywhere from $900-1,400, depending upon where you sell and to whom.  If the blade was traditionally made, the value can be higher.

[Brian]

That info on commanders isn't really true. High ranking officials carried a wide range of blades, from traditional swords to special order once to average wartime made ones. Since they purchased them themselves, they could purchase or bring any blade and have it mounted in regulation mounts. This doesn't appear to be an older family blade, and not all wartime average blades were stamped. Each blade needs to be judged on its own merits.
I'd suggest posting those provenance photos in our translation section and getting a real and accurate translation. 

[The Blacksmith]

IIRC. There are also instances of officers having blade shaped objects made locally so as to swap the blade before surrendering them, knowing the the allied officers receiving them wouldn't know the difference. Perhaps @Bruce Pennington  or @Scogghas some information on this.?

[Ian B3HR2UH]

Where is the evidence for this wild claim? 

[Scogg]

It is not something that I remember having heard. 

The focus of my study has been mostly on the physical characteristics of gunto and their manufacture, rather than the regulations surrounding their carry and surrender.

 

All the best,

-Sam

 

[Bruce Pennington]

I haven't heard that one, either, Russ.  You clearly heard it somewhere, though.  Sounds like something someone would say to explain a poorly made blade found in good gunto fittings.