Virginian

Here are some more pictures. I hope they help with identification. While it's fun to think of the possibilities of having a rare sword, I have no delusions of such. This sword doesn't look that old to me, and certainly not 700 or 800 years old. George VO

Is there a way to combine it? Please don't rely on my skills! Thanks, George VO

Michael, Thanks so much for taking the time to write such an informative message. I have ZERO knowledge of actual terms, so I appreciate you breaking it down to an understandable form. I still don't have any idea of what age you are speaking of, but one of the pictures you posted looks exactly like what I have. The swords that my grandfather brought back fro the war in the Pacific were taken from soldiers that he had killed. The sword in this photo is a lot less substantial than the other one he brought back. I always assumed this sword was a mass produced military sword. You can see photos of the other sword if you search my past posts. I have not removed the handle from that sword and would prefer a professional did that. I will take more pictures this afternoon and post them for you and others to see. Please let me know if there are any specific areas you need to see. I'm not getting my hopes up, but what is a general value of the swords you mention made by Munetada? Thanks again, George VO

Thanks for the help guys. I'm sorry, but I no longer have the pictures of the sword on my phone. If you go to the "Military Swords of Japan" section and look at my post titled "Captured WWII Sword", you will see complete photos. Sorry for the inconvenience and thanks again. George VO

This is the marking on a sword my grandfather captured during WWII. I posted it in the military sword page, but was told it was a civilian sword. One member said it looks like Munetada. I'm looking for confirmation of this and more info on the possible swordsmith. Thanks, George VO

Thanks guys. I can't see the Munetada comparison at all, but I defer to the experts.

Here are pictures of the name under the handle of this particular sword. Not great pics obviously, but maybe someone can figure it out. Thanks, George VanOrden

Thanks for taking the time to share that info George. You and the rest of these guys are gentlemen and scholars. Take care, George VO

Thanks for all the suggestions, info and comments. I have no intention of removing the handle, but might be sending it to an expert to be polished and identified. I have received several private messages about qualified experts and I'm weighing that info. I looked for information on the show page about the Tampa show, but couldn't find an upcoming show. Any info on that would be appreciated. I posted pictures of the other sword that I assumed was a military model on the Military Sword page, only to find out it was a civilian sword. I'm sure there are people in the world that know less than me about these swords, but it would probably take awhile to find one. Thanks again, George VO

Congrats on earning the Distinguished Badge. The CMP games matches are a lot of fun. I've competed in Butner, NC with the Gunny and my buddy Dennis DeMille. DeMille worked at Creedmoor Sports until recently when he moved to Virginia to partner up with me in my survival kit company. Depending on where you've shot, we may have competed together. If you've been to any of the big matches, like the east, west, or nationals, I'm sure you've shot with DeMille. Take care, George VO

Mike, We are the only family to have 3 consecutive generations of Distinguished Shooters. Even though I earned the badge, I wasn't near the level my father was. I rarely compete now. For awhile, I shot vintage high power with R. Lee Ermey and another Marine buddy, but I don't have much interest in it now. Take care, George VO

Thanks Brian. My grandfather was a true warrior, from a warrior family. His father was a known Marine fighter that joined the Corps in the 1890's. His son was a Marine officer who served two tours in Nam and was National Champion High Power Rifle Champion in '79. I am the 4th of 4 consecutive generations of the same name in the Marine's, but I am nowhere near the man my forefathers were. Here is an article that was originally in Leatherneck magazine: https://www.ssusa.org/articles/2016/10/21/gunpowder-in-their-blood-four-generations-of-george-van-orden/ Take care, George VO

I appreciate all the info guys... you are a wealth of knowledge. I'd like to get both of my swords in front of an expert one of these days. I travel the country in an RV from time to time; maybe I'll take them with me on the next trip when I'm going near an authority on them. Thanks, George VO

My grandfather captured 2 swords on Bougainville during WWII. This one is a military sword he took from a Japanese Captain. My grandfather was somewhat famous in the Corps for starting the Marine sniper program and he retired as a Brigidier General. He was awarded the Navy Cross at Bougainville and was nicknamed "The Beast" by his Marines. I don't think this sword is worth much, but it was captured by a true warrior. George VO

This is the "family" sword that my grandfather took from a Japanese Major. Vic Diehl told me that the handle had never been removed. George VO

Thanks for the info. I'm not sure I'd be comfortable sending the sword overseas, or even shipping it within the States. I had considered lending/donating it to the Marine Corps Museum, but they make it clear that it may never see the light of day. I'd rather have it in my gun safe, than in a museum basement. If I ever decided to sell it, I can guarantee you that it wouldn't go on eBay. I have no need to sell it, but would rather see it go to someone who would appreciate it. I served on Okinawa Japan as a Marine over 30 years ago and enjoyed and respected the culture, but swords aren't "my thing". I tried posting pictures from my phone earlier with no luck. I'll try to figure it out in the next couple days. Take care, George VO

I have two Japanese swords that were captured by my Grandfather during WWII. One is a military issued sword taken from a Captain and the other is a "Family" sword taken from a Major. Several years ago, our small town in Virginia had a temporary Principal at our elementary school. His name was Vic Diehl and he and my wife became friends. One day, he told my wife that he had written books on Japanese swords and my wife told him that I had a couple. Soon after, Vic came to my house to inspect the swords and to remove the handles to check for markings. After seeing the family sword, which I assume is traditional, Vic was amazed. He said that it was the first sword he had ever seen that the handle had never been removed and that he wasn't going to be the first. He said that I should consider having the sword professionally restored and thought it might be worth somewhere in the "5 figure" range. I have a magazine article from soon after the war with my grandfather explaining how he killed the Major during the battle of Bougainville. Not long after, Vic died from brain cancer. He was a great guy and the world lost a lot of knowledge. I told Vic that I had considered trying to find the family of the sword in Japan to possibly reunite it and he recommended keeping it. I guess my questions for the forum are: 1. Where could I have the sword professionally restored? 2. Where could I have the sword appraised? 3. Where is the best place to sell a sword? Thanks for any help or advice given.