IJASWORDS

Been watching from the side lines with interest. Decided to look at the fine detail. I am coming down on the side of mixed original and modern components. I even went down to counting the "dots" level on my un-issued NCO of the same model. Just looking at the handle, either the Japanese got slack in their quality (doubt this), or sub-standard pattern or casting technique was used (doubt this as well). The devil is in the detail. Neil.

SteveM, a big thanks. What is the English translation of Oite, sanrakushi and tsukuru.

YOU'RE OLD??? Got my first camera iPhone at 65! Its not only my eyes that don't work.

No, definitely straight over the wood and not over metal, and is basically same size as the metal component would be. Neil.

I am a sucker for minute detail, see sarute ferule. Neil

Well spotted Stegel, if it didn't have the belt and buckle retention strap, could be part of one. See if you can take a close look at SARUTE ferule, it has a GUNTO type chrysanthemum washer under it, quite beautiful in detail if you can see it. Neil.

Seen the discussion on metal fittings. Prompted me to ask about "non metal" fittings. I have an old blade in GUNTO mounts, with one unusual twist. The FUCHI and KABUTOGANE are in a hardened moulded/formed leather. It has a military SARUTE and MENUKI. OK, it is in poor condition, but a nice blade, and unusual fittings. Any help, or others with experience in recognising this would be appreciated.

Thanks Stephen, found the rest YAMAMURA YOSHIMICHI. Neil.

Could I receive some translation help please? I could do the date side March, 1944.

In my humble opinion, the end result after forging, heat treatment and polishing is what counts. The raw sand again IMHO makes little discernable difference. KOMORI iron sand is called nursery sand as it reduces quickly to iron, and is almost exclusively used to start the smelting process in any Tatara operation. Impurities sulphur, silicon, vanadium etc vary from sand to sand, and even within the same sand deposit. The forging process is used to expel impurities and slags any way. Cutting to the chase, I have bought the blade not the sand. Neil.

David, for my sins I am a metallurgist. On the type 44's there were seppa that were made of what's called GERMAN SILVER, an alloy of copper/nickel/zinc. Hard, durable, workable and corrosion resistant. Feeling the weight of a component is a good guide, aluminium in noticeably lighter than the alternatives. Neil.

My worry is also the kissaki, very odd shape unless photo angle distorts it. Quite a ROUGHY unless it is cheap or you are desperate for a WW2 gunto. Neil.

Hamfish, thanks, point taken. Neil.

Some pics of my YASUKUNI TO, YASUNORI (Kotani). Aluminium SAYA, twin feathers MON, Lt Colonel. Neil.

Here is an idea on original colours of NCO, your FUCHI is painted as indicated earlier. Picking up on Stegels point, there are probably better examples out there, keep looking. Neil.

On close examination of a SEPPA on my YASUKUNITO, in aluminium KOHIRAE,I observed it to be a dust cover type, not usually encountered on '98 KOSHIRAE. Not earth shattering, but interesting in its variation. Neil.

Looks OK to me. May be a bit of newer paint applied to it, but no issues with that. Gets down to the price you are happy to pay for it. I will offer no advice on price, as it boils down to what you value it at. As with all swords, if you like it, buy it. It must appeal to you. Neil.

Depending on the type or model of gunto, and I guess who made the outfit for the officer. For example, I have a relative high class '98 with pierced tsuba, and good blade, where the fittings are actually iron, that have been copper plated and gilded. See photos. The gilding is long gone, and only traces of copper remaining. There are not too many metals that are durable enough to use, copper alloys and iron base metals are really the only ones. Neil.

I am cataloging the swords in my collection, and I have a couple of NIHONO that are MUMEI. My aim is from the photos and basic measurements at least try and get a period, and school that I can record. Any other information would be a bonus. This example with BoHi has a cutting edge of 66cm and SORI of 25mm, to the eye (unpolished) it looks like straight HAMON. The tang is certainly cut and the cutting length shortened. There are three peg holes. Help would be gratefully appreciated, Neil.

John M, all good points. I understand an interest in NIHONTO, and to be honest I came to them via the (at the time) cheaper military sword route. I am trying the "education" route with kids/grand kids, but as you may have already experienced, their first impression is that they are weapons. Found some great YOUTUBE clips on forging/polishing/history of the NIHONTO as art, and their appreciation is developing. YOUTUBE is a great resource for education if you go looking for it. Too bad a grand son saw bamboo being sliced, so at the moment that's his take on them. WITH KNOWLEDGE COMES APPRECIATION. Neil.

This topic has got me taking a second look at my NCO's. Attached is a photo of a pattern 6 with wood handle and wood scabbard. A small stamp is on the drag. Help in identification would be appreciated. Neil.

Just placed an order on AMAZON for the book, based on David's assessment. Cant wait to receive it. Neil.

This whole numbering discussion has me looking closely at my NCO's. Pulled out some pattern 5 and 6 to examine and photograph. Found mis-aligned, a 9 that looks like a g, a 3 that has been mis-hit or over stamped, differing fonts. Certainly opens a new area of study. If it wasn't for the forum, I would be ignorant of the varieties out there. Please keep the observations coming, I think they add to the enjoyment of the collecting. Neil.

I'm with Bruce, any association with a sale from China/Thailand/India sets off alarm bells. However, maybe serious Chinese collectors should be encouraged to join NMB and be given to opportunity to learn, discuss and show their GENDAITO. This way we could all ensure that we are aware of what's being collected/traded in China. Neil.

I agree with Stephen, as much archaeological finesse as the autopsy of aliens at Roswell. Neil.