IJASWORDS

Tim, I wouldn't call that humble, more like a museum display! What swordsmiths are in the collection?

WOW, love the one with the BOHI.

This 1939 Mantetsu has many of the attributes of a model 94, centre lock etc, it even looks like a second hanger was evident from the paint damage.

This one of mine, ticked a few boxes. Wavy Hamon, fairly clean Nakago, Green painted Saya, early mounts, Spring 1939. Bruce has the Mune numbers.

It is heartening to find a sword where the painted assembly number on the nakago matches all the numbers on the fittings. Ohmura describes these swords as a "last stage type" and not a "normalized form". He explains how mixed fittings were used late in the war due to shortages. Some fittings are plain pressed metal, or from a parts bin of left overs. Even the ray skin "same" is replaced by a painted adhesive tape. This example is a 1944 NORINAGA. Due to years of wear and tear, the tzuka was re-wrapped in the original colour in Ohmura's Study. These swords are not as beautiful as the 98 or normalized RS, but are non the less interesting as a much needed WW2 sword for an officer at the front, added to this is their relative rarity.

John, I find this interesting as well, no blossoms, no patent, nothing at all.

Just noticed on other photos, different characters and different number of characters above the Arabic nunbers. Could some one translate the various examples, please.

Stegel, I have seen that loop on quite a few swords without the Iida latch. Pictured is one of my Iida latches with the number, 147, which matches the other fittings. I think that the individual components had to fit precisely, so I am sure they were made in individually fitted sets. Love the Kai with the latch (and the red toe nails!).

As John says, found with Gendaito or older blades. The darker example has a YASUKUNI smith blade, and the red coloured has an old family blade. My guess is that they were probably owned by non-combat senior officers, as the painted soft wood saya would be impractical in battle and weather. The fittings found on them are usually higher grade as well.

Gilt is 70/30 Copper/Zinc brass, that can be electroplated.

It is interesting that I came across a "brass scabbard copper handle NCO" as mentioned in Fuller and Gregory. It is actually brass or "gilt plated" not solid brass as the extract from their excellent book infers. Anyway, thought it worth sharing.

For a nice Japanese military display, there is nothing nicer than to have a collection of WW2 Japanese medals with the display. Japanese medals are arguably some of the most ornate and beautiful ever made, most of pure silver. Particularly if they are in their original presentation boxes, some have original papers. I have spent years finding the best examples, of campaigns, celebrating the Emperor, killed in action, wounded in action etc etc. When I have worked out a value, they will be in the for sale section. And free gifts with purchase thrown in as well.

My Kato Jumyo special order Gendai-To, has a poem of resolve engraved on it. Apparently a verse from the philosopher Rai San'Yo.... Translates to (I think)....... "Even in the deepest swamp, you are obliged to your country". Maybe some of our Japanese speakers could confirm this translation.

When I started collecting Gunto, I had a corner of my room dedicated to WW2 Japanese swords, with a back drop of a soldiers signed personal flag, and a going to war banner. These banners celebrated a family or communities pride in sending a loved one off to war. They look great as a wall decoration behind your swords. Beautiful calligraphy on silk. Any one interested can find them in the for sale section.

When I started collecting Gunto, I displayed them with sword belts, appropriate to their rank, NCO, field, officer etc, complete with hangers. Thought it may be of interest to post them. A nice part of Japanese history. They are in the for sale section if anyone is interested.

Sold to Jason.

Piers, good question, no bitterness, she sees swords as weapons not collectables. I asked one last time yesterday, when I said I will sell it if Bailey can't have it. She said sell it, and put the money in his bank account..... No way.

Thanks Ray, only wish it was my grandson.

Years ago, I bought this wakizashi as a learning piece for my grandson to gain an interest in nihonto. It has every feature that made it a great starter for a beginner..... Old signed Ubu blade with visible features, Saya with Kurikata, pockets for Kogai and Kogatana, a WW2 hanger, old 2 piece Habaki, and all the fittings complete. I imagined him sitting down with his Kanji book, and sword features book, gaining an interest, so that one day he may take over my collection. NOPE!!! His mother (my daughter) totally canned the idea. So is is for sale, USD 300, plus post. A bargain, sold as is, and hopefully goes to another budding collector, maybe a fantastic Christmas present.

Picked up a Kai Gunto with a mon.

Brodie, that is gorgeous mate, I am insanely jealous, wish mine were that nice. Got a few of his, one papered and polished, yours leaves mine for dead!

Better photos

Help with this would be greatly appreciated.

Thought that would throw you. It's on a '98, no date, no stamps, mumei. Don't know if it's old or early war.

Don't know if this has been put up.