DavidCarroll

So, I removed the handle from the Type 98, by tapping out and gently pulling the wooden peg. The tang has a long line of stamps (see pics) one one side - nothing visible on the other. Any insights as to what they represent would be most appreciated. Cheers. Dave.

Thanks for the responses folks. I'll remove the handle (I'll have to start learning the terminology!) from the Type 98 and photograph the tang, and give the blades a gentle clean.

Greetings - I'm new to this forum and to swords in general. I was given two swords that had belonged to my wife's grandfather, who was a civilian engineer with the RAF, stationed in the Far East during WWII. As I understand it, he had an eventful war, including getting out of Singapore just ahead of the Japanese takeover, escaping from a sinking ship that had been torpedoed by a Japanese submarine, and hiding out on an island for 6 weeks before being picked up. He brought home these swords, which ended up in my in-laws' attic for decades. Based on my internetting, including on this forum, as best as I can determine: Sword 1 - a Type 95 NCO, aluminum handle, Serial# 63654. The inspection stamp to the left of the serial#, and the shape of the metal fitting at the end of the sheath suggest that it is Nagoya-made. The sheath itself bears a matching serial# Sword 2. I think this is a type 98, but it has no markings or numbers that I can find. I have not attempted to remove the handle at this point. The sheath is painted wood and has a full-length leather cover. The handle is traditional wrapped over ray skin, held in place with wood pegs. So - my main question is - what to do with these? I won't sell them, as they're interesting family artifacts, and I don't believe that they're particularly valuable. My first thought is to simply clean them up - polish the blades and maybe repaint the type 95 handle and sheath - and then put them on the wall. Right now, they look old, dusty and rusty - like they've spent the last few decades in an attic. I'd appreciate any thoughts on how to proceed from here.