IJASWORDS

Hi Shamsy, looked at your attached thread, VERY INFORMATIVE, and answered many of my questions. My specialty is really 94's/98's, but have picked up some nice 95's along the way. They were the ugly ducklings of WW2 swords, but to be honest grow on you and provide good research material. You don't see too many show up these days however. Neil.

Hi Bruce, faint TOKYO mark on small drag sword, but can't find any arsenal marks on larger drag sword. Attached a photo of other wood handles I have laying around, one has over stamped 3xxxxx number, the other has none, is this normal? They have wooden scabbards with iron ends. Saw a late war NCO sell on eBay a couple of days ago at USD2700+, WOW, can't believe it. Always appreciate your analysis, knowledge and prompt replies, Neil.

Hi, in my wood handle collection, I have noticed two varieties of NCO scabbard drag. All in the 2xxxxx series. One is larger and more pronounced, see photos. Could some one throw some light on this variation please? Neil.

Thanks, will do. Neil

Hi, all I would add, is look at the bottom scabbard brass plug. I have attached of an original plug photo for comparison. Neil.

Hi Jim P, lesson learned! Thanks for your research. I will also do more myself. Neil.

Hi Jussi, thanks, I have tried to find the exact translation, but this one has so many variations, I think JSSUS had 8! Tampere is a nice place, I used to work in HANKO! Thanks for your help. Neil.

Hi all, YEP found it on JSSUS. BUT, quite a few that look similar, that was my issue. I will do more research before wasting the forums time. There seems to be more interest and activity generated when a Chinese fake is posted especially in the MILITARY SECTION. I have only been a member a few days, so was taking the opportunity to identify a few puzzles related to my collection of genuine GUNTO. I assumed, probably in error, that the forum was as much about sharing collections as asking for help, as collecting is a lonely business, because there is not a collector on every street corner that you can interact with. Any way I will continue to collect/study/preserve WW2 swords and KOSHIRAE, as they are of great historical interest. Neil.

Hi all, found this old blade in GUNTO WW2 mounts. It looks cut down, and some MEI missing. Help would be appreciated. Neil.

Hi Stephen, yes there is quality and matching SAMURAI theme. The KASHIRA is a SAMURAI helmet, the FUCHI has a SAMURAI face mask (MEMPO), the TSUBA has a SAMURAI battle fan. The MENUKI look like SAMURAI warriors (but covered by wrapping). I have seen this SOTEN theme some where before but cant remember where. Hope we are getting closer to a landing. Neil.

Hi Stephen, did my best to photograph KASHIRA. Hope it helps, Neil.

Stephen, finally got a HAMON shot by eliminating bright light. Neil.

Hi, (thanks Stephen great links), Hope these photos help. It is with an iPhone, and I cant do any better!! Sorry. If you could look at these in conjunction with the other posts it may help. Neil.

Hi, what would you like close up photos of? I am happy to oblige. This will point me in the right direction for other posts in future. Neil

Hi, I hope the attached photos help with identification. My interest is WW2 swords and I certainly show my ignorance when it comes to NIHONTO. I have some "old" blades in WW2 KOSHIRAE, and will probably have to post photos here over time to get a proper identification of them. Looked up SOTEN and yes, found it is a school of fittings. Even saw an example like mine, open work with SAMURAI MEMPO and HELMET designs. Any way appreciate your honest opinions. Neil.

HI all, I got this pretty little (22inch) WW2 mounted sword, I have been told, is SOTEN. Nice engraved silver HABAKI with hundreds of little stars, MUMEI, with a provision for a SARUTE. I would love to learn more about its age locality or any thing else about it. The fittings look like a SAMURAI helmet, Samurai battle fan etc. Looking forward to hearing from you, Neil.

Hi paulb, I am now being a sadistic! Got this 22inch KOTO GUNTO, hi on one side only, and then only three quarters the way down one side. What's going on here! MUMEI of course, nice polish. Neil.

Hi, thanks paulb, totally understand the difficulty identifying from poor photos. In reality I am a WW2 gunto collector that contain a lot of old blades. Whilst some have cut MEI, many are MUMEI. A good thing about SHOWATO/GENDAITO the majority are signed, even dated. At the moment I have only labeled it KOTO, awaiting more information. Neil.

Hi, I have a ww2 GUNTO (leather combat cover missing), with a KOTO blade, MUMEI with BoHi. It has a 26inch cutting edge, and 27inches to the TSUBA. It has a silver coated copper RAIN engraved HABAKI. A straight HAMON, and no other markings. It is in good shape, and feels beautifully balanced in the hand. Is it possible to make a stab at a SMITH, SCHOOL, LOCATION, DATE or any other information. Neil.

Hi All, great and useful comments. You are correct Mark, I checked all my dates, and found a mix of fitting designs regardless of manufacturing date. Did notice that it was lower end (cheaper?) blades that had the poorer fittings. Neil.

Hi, I have noticed that at some point in the production of the 98 model gunto, that the decoration on the fittings on some swords changed. The cherry blossom and leaves were dropped in favour of a stipple plain finish. Was this done as a regulation, ease of production, or a variation from one fitting maker to another? Pictures attached of a 1942 compared to a 1944 variant. Neil.

Hi, firstly thanks to all of you for not jumping to any conclusions with out asking for, and examining the evidence. Photos attached as requested. Whilst the photos may be ordinary, as I said in my initial post, the blade is equal to or better than some late war NCO's that own. To be honest, I am open to any verdict on the sword. I know it is a period piece, IJA, JEEP SPRING, PETA, etc doesn't worry me, as it is still interesting as a militaria artefact. The SAYA is perfectly sewn, so a bit of work has gone into it, I would think a bit and above and beyond that of a souvenir to fool GI's. The stitching (three passes in places) was constructed to last, not to be quickly sold off. But as I said I am relaxed at any outcome. Your comments and expertise is appreciated and welcomed, Neil.

Hi Stegel, just to clarify, are you coming down on the side of a PETA type sword, or a JEEP SPRING? Either way, they would be period type pieces, and interesting for no other reason than historical from a militaria point of view. By the way, please don't think my collection is made up of pieces like this. And I got it for next to nothing. I posted this to get my "old" head around this new fangled computer thingy. Like attaching photos!! Your help, even your time to read and reply to my post is really appreciated. Thanks, Neil.

Thanks Bruce, my type 3's have EMURA and NAGAMITSU blades and other less notables. But there are some times great surprise packages in type 3's. Not so much now, as every one knows what to look for. But in the old days you could find swords that have never been disassembled, and needed a lot of work just to get TSUKA off. Really appreciate your reply. By the way could you look at my post on ISLAND MADE GUNTO? You have probably come across these> Neil.

Hi GregD, nice blade, my KOSHIRAE may be questionable by some, but my blade OK. Anyway, its all about the blade, Neil.