Stephmic

It doesn’t sound like there’s any bring back papers sadly. When I spoke to my friend the other day to fill him in on some of the findings I asked for more details about how he got it. He said his grandfather gave it to his father and it passed on to him when his father unfortunately passed away in an accident. He’s had it in his basement for years just sitting. I asked about any information on his grandfather so I could try to find records - name, DOB, unit he was in, etc. Waiting so see what he comes up with. It doesn’t sound like he speaks to that part of the family anymore and I told him it’s worth getting the information, especially if it can prove this was brought back from Iwo Jima as he was told by his father. On another note, I was fortunate to get a Type 99 Arisaka rifle and bayonet with scabbard my grandfather brought back when he went ashore on Okinawa. He was a helmsman aboard the USS Pensacola. After the battle of Okinawa was over his shipmates and him were allowed ashore and he walked past massive piles of weapons and equipment and snatched the rifle and bayonet and shipped it home to my grandmother. An incredible piece! The only downside is the chrysanthemum stamp was already scratched off. Looking at the past posts and other examples I see where the oil quenching shows in the hamon, there definitely is a lot of unique activity there. Very interesting thus far! Michael

Thank you all for the input. For a semi-traditional oil quenched Shin-Gunto such as this what would an estimate of worth be? I’d think likely less than $800 since it’s not significantly aged? Like I mentioned he doesn’t plan to sell as it’s a family heirloom but out of curiosity. I need to stress to him to take VERY good care of this because it’s been sitting for many years and likely the blade handled without gloves, etc. I will stress to lightly oil the blade and replace the mekugi. Regards, Michael

Thanks for all the replies so far. I spent some time brushing up on the terms to further understand what you're asking about and so I can better understand the katana. I will try to find some mekugi to replace the bad one as mentioned. I'm all ears for suggestions as to where to find one. It really is in bad shape, it's definitely the original from when it was taken overseas. The nakago has two mekugi-ana. Per the photos I've posted there are pretty clear yasurime on the nakago but absolutely no markings whatsoever, no makers marks or numbers anywhere I can find on the entire katana. As someone suggested this is a pretty clear indicator of a traditional blade repurposed in the Type 98 style? Why is there no makers mark on the blade? The tip of the blade looks to be that of the shinogi zukuri shape which I understand was very common after a certain time period. I'm not too sure of the hada or hamon but I tried to take better photos earlier to show these and get a better idea of possibly the maker or period of production for the blade, someone suggested Gendaito or Shinshinto? The hamon is very wavy and quite detailed. I also checked for ubu-ba and honestly the blade feels relatively sharp from the tip all the way down to the habaki with no area of dullness. There are also 8 total seppa on each side of the tsuba as spacers. Michael S.

16k I can take more photos would you recommend any particular areas to shoot? Thank you all for your input! Michael S.

Thanks for the replies. Forgive my lack of understanding but I assume the mekugi ana are the two holes in the handle of the blade where the peg goes? So having two would generally indicate it was repurposed and likely an older traditional blade? I also attached some photos of the hamon which maybe will help identifying the maker? Thanks again! Exciting to learn about this. Michael S.

Greetings, I’ve spent quite a bit of time looking over various posts and photos on this forum trying to get more information on a sword. I have learned a lot and find this fascinating! A lot of terms to memorize for sure. Sadly, I’ve just ended up more confused. A fellow fireman at my volunteer fire department gave me this sword to find more information on as he knows I’m interested in WWII history. He claims it was passed down to him by his grandfather who apparently brought it back from Iwo Jima. This I cannot confirm unfortunately. He doesn’t have any other information on it. He also does not intend to sell this as it is a family heirloom, just wants more information. Any insight into what this is and where it was made or by whom would be very appreciated! Although not interested in selling I know he’s curious of its potential value. I looked all over and cannot find any serial numbers or markings. The wooden peg that holds the blade in the handle appears original but broken and rather small. The blade looks in good condition and is still pretty sharp. Thank you all in advance! Michael S.