Bruce Pennington

Here is a video showing how the remove the handle (tsuka). These blades were often signed and dated by the sword smiths. The all-brown tassel was used by the civil branch of the military, called Gunzoku. The wore military styled uniforms and performed many non-combat functions like maintenance, admin, etc.

I like that one, Sam. Actual example of a Type 8/19 being worn in a formal function, rather than a photo posing setting.

Nice sword, Detlev! Stamps an Japanese swords are commonly called arsenal stamps, but there are a couple - the Showa stamp and the larger Seki stamp - are not. Both were used by the Seki Cutlery Manufacturers Association. The large Seki, like yours was used between 1940 - 1944.

The kakihan looks like a cut test kao.

John, No flack from me, brother. I think you're the guy that started to study the painted numbers, right? If so, you are currently the resident expert! I do think you are right about the colors and number schemes being specific to shops, forges, and arsenals. We have that one photo of several blades lined up with white, or the pale blue, numbers. With that in mind, the 2-digit black numbering on these souvenirs is specific to Tenshozan, which actually backs up your point.

Hit a minor milestone today, as I found a 4th blade painted "45". We've had some triples so far, but this is the first fourth. It's a Toyosuke blade with the small circled anchor. On auction at this eBay page. She's asking kaigunto price of $2,200 which is a bit over market price for a souvenir. I sent a message to her. We'll see if she responds.

While we wait, it seems to have been made in the Indo-Persian (Turkish?) style. One example, of many, but the handles are different

Unusual to see one posing with his sword drawn.

The symbol is a family crest, call a kamon or mon. There are guys here who can give you some info on that. They originated way back in the Samurai days, and each clan had it's own symbol. Well before WWII, Japan opened it up to letting anyone have one that wanted one, and by WWII many mon were being used by multiple different families. Some of them can be narrowed down to a shorter list of names, but you won't find a specific family name that can be tied to it. I have one with the old Fujiwara clan symbol, which is cool, but the guy that used it in WWII could have had any name, literally. The fittings are Type 98 Japanese officer sword fittings. You can read up on these on Ohmura's site: Military Swords of Imperial Japan (Gunto). The blade may be something from pre-WWII, which is why the guys are asking you to remove the handle (tsuka). Very easy to do.

Bob, Is that canvas? Looks different, for some reason?

I have one, I love it. He did a really good job on these blades.

Yes, the Matsue Supervisory Unit of Kokura Army Arsenal.

Mike, If you aren't set on this one sword, you might try @Hoshi's site: https://nihontowatch.com/. He's compiled current swords for sale, and the links to them, from dozens of sellers. You can filter the list to fit your price range, and other options. Quite a site.

That is nice, Ed. Unusual to see the 'sculpting' around the top, around the haikan. Nicely done.

August, 1855 for the rookies.

I'd start at $1,000 and be ready for offers. The NMB For Sale section is here, you can browse other swords for sale to see the preferred format: https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/forum/130-swords-and-edged-weapons/

That is quite an interesting item. Matching numbers and the paint on the saya throat matches that of saya, and both look aged and worn appropriately for a wartime job. Considering all the late-war swords we've seen, where people were making-do with what ever was available, I'd easily believe this to be something done in the war and not a post-war Bubba job.

Hi Patrice, Your sword is a legit WWII Japanese officer's Type 98 sword. To those who study WWII and Japanese swords, they are all valuable and worth preservation. Monetary value can vary greatly depending upon condition of the sword, and sometimes due to the way it was made, and the smith that made it. That's one reason we are all interested in seeing the nakago (tang). As a family heirloom, and in honor of your grandfather, I think it's worth putting some time into restoring it to some degree, like having the handle (tsuka) rewrapped. Having the blade restored, via professional polish, depends on you. Many collectors like to keep a sword in the condition it came to them, calling it the "Life of the Sword." Others like to take the time and effort to return their swords to their intended beauty. I spent 2 years finding missing parts to restore my dad's sword, and even spent the $2,200 to have it polished. But that was a personal choice. Some before and after shots:

Dawson has a couple examples of these and calls them simply Type 19 Kyu gunto. But he may simply be describing what he physically sees. I suspect Omara has gone a little deeper and explained how and why they were created in the first place.

No, that is a first! Symbols and even clouds on Mount Fuji.

That's interesting, John. I've managed to have never read that page on Ohmura's site. Don't know how I missed it.

The line that causes the Ichi to look like a "T" is simply a dent among the many dents and scratches.

Note the tassel is around his wrist, as designed originally.

Googled it: Definition: It combines sho (initial/beginning) and shin (mind/heart), meaning to keep the mind open and ready. Practical Application: It involves approaching situations without holding onto fixed, preconceived ideas or habits. Contrast to Expertise: While an expert may rely on past experiences, a beginner-mind approach encourages questioning, curiosity, and seeing things as if for the first time. so, was this an art name adopted by a real sword, Smith? Or was it meant to be a spiritual slogan? Shoshin is often applied in martial arts, daily learning, and personal development to maintain humility and a "growth mindset

OH, yes I see that now. Cool. Thank you, Ray!