Kvernon

Never too late and very much appreciated! Sounds like you have answered the question that it indeed is a mon as this is where I have seen the mon on this grade of Kyu Gunto., the junior grade has it above the center blossom. Thank you!!

Upon further research, the kyu gunto that have more decoration on the backof the handle typically have this area blank and I have seen a couple mons in this location, what are the odds that this is a mon that has been engraved verses the silver or nickel emblem.

Luckily no pitting and very glossy when looking down the blade, but you are right, someone did take a buffing wheel and what looks to be some tool marks (right in front of the hibaki) from a runaway dremel or something nothing deep though, (people drive me nuts) I wiped down the blade with a cloth and it looks like the hamon follows the tip up and not through so possibly an actual wakisashi? Also when I look down the blade I see no tool marks but what look like indents every half inch, very slight, possibly the hammer marks when it was forged? They are very consistant on both sides. Blade is smooth as silk with no felt imperfections from mechanical grinding or buffing, it is reall hard to get decent lighting with the cosmetic markins on the surface, makes a ton of contrast with the shot. I was told to coat it with mineral oil, was going to get some tomorrow, sound correct? Thanks again.

Thank you sir, this was a completely unexpected aquisition but it has done something to me, the potential monetary value of this piece is insignificant in my mind when I think of the history of the blade and its owners, I wish I could walk back in time and see what they have seen, I will do everything I can to respect this blade and find a place in my home that can be honored by it's being there, when funds allow I will make sure that it is treated with the same respect when it gets it's polish.. someone trained in the art of restoring this Japanese blade. I am really hoping to find out what the symbol is at the bottom (different post) I had visions of finding the family and being able to return it but was reading last night that this is not nessicarily what the family's would want, rehashing the shame of the past? Maybe some insight on this... I do believe I have contracted this forums bug though......

Everyone else please feel free to chime in!

I was seeing the Shimazu mon quite a bit, same shapes but just a tad different, wasn't sure how much flexabilty there was when applying a mon, knowing that the Japanese had such strict traditions.

Picture 26 of 29, of all the Kyu Gunto I have seen on the net I have not yet seen that symbol, hoping to get some help, my eyes are getting tired searching the net!! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v134/ ... 48_938.jpg

Hello Matt, I have posted some pictures of the tang, of note is a hole behind the mekugi hole, possibly from a previous fit that was plugged with what appears to be brass and redrilled for the kyu hilt? Thanks for your time. http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v134/WildBillGT/

Thanks for your reply, the blade has no blistering that I can see and only a couple of microscopic dings in an otherwaise fairly sharp blade, it just has a real bad need of polishing in my opinion, when I first aqcuired it this weekend I was at a local gun shop, the gentleman there was knowledgable in dismantling the grip (had fits trying to get it back together with the scabbard locking mechanism, the tang appeared to be unmarked tho I did not get a chance to really look at it myself, it had the hole for the bamboo dowel and one directly in from of it towards the Tsuba, from the Tsuba to the kissaki is 21-1/2 inches. I will take it down again and get some good pictures, may be a couple of days. An I give you my word, my hands will never again touch the blade. Appreciate your help sir.

Hello all, New to this forum, just recently purchased this kyu gunto from an individual and am hoping you can help me with it, from what I have read it appears to be an officers grade? I dont want to add any more to that becuase my knowledge is limited to this weekend! I am curious about the engraved circle where the nickel family crest is usually at?? The blade is fully intact but the surface has been abused, it looks fairly cosmetic and not deep, would love to have it professionaly finished if it made sense, I belive it to be an unmarked blade but have not thoroughly checked.. I am including a link to my photo bucket page for access, I appreciate your forum and the knowledge represented here, thank you. http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v134/WildBillGT/