Ru55

Thanks guys. Paul I've DM'd you as requested. The fingerprint was removed during the light oiling so no issues there now. Thanks for the heads up Steve. My question about value was to determine the potential value of the blade if it is as thought and in good condition. I completely understand the subjectiveness to any answer, but felt a ballpark figure would guide any decisions I make going forward. Apologies if asking for a valuation of sorts is the wrong thing to do. I've already had DM's asking if I want to sell it so wanted to have a better understanding of my position. Although it must be said selling it is not what I have in mind at this point. It's presence within my family household is one of a decreasing set of constants as life goes on and as such sentimentality far outweighs everything else right now.

Firstly can I say a big thank you for your warm welcome. Being a member of other forums this board certainly comes across as a friendly and enjoyable place to be. Credit to you all. The advice is fantastic and very welcome. Before I continue, rest assured the whole blade - with fittings removed - was lightly oiled with mineral based motor oil ( It's all I had... ). Some of you have been very kind and given me answers to questions I was going to ask in terms of going forward, however I've now become slightly obsessed by all of this and have more questions - sorry ! 1) How accurate can we be in the blades origin ? 2) What is the best way of ensuring authenticity ? 3) Does the blade have any value ? 4) Should I / Can I ensure against that value ? 5) Is there a way to reunite the blade with the original owners family perhaps ? It seems the right thing to do and would make a great story / project for me. 6) What would you do if it was yours ? Here are some further images of the blade as requested. The blade length with all fittings removed is 25 Inches on the nose ( as in exactly!! ). As with the first set I have adjusted the contrast in order to highlight the details. I have also added an AA battery for uniform scale comparison. Thanks again everyone. ( PS - I also have a confession to make. As a very small child I used to sneak the sword out of the house and attack trees etc with it. It felt awesome!! )

Thank you. I'm now petrified of touching it ! I 'washed' the tang to make it eligible and now feeling a complete idiot. Being UK based I wouldn't know where to start in finding a restorer of what I'm legally obliged to declare..... Hope I haven't opened a pandora's box here as it's been sitting in the attic for years and perhaps i should of left it there.

Hello all, I've recently found myself with more time on my hands and thought I'd definitively identify a sword that has been with the family since supposedly the 1940's. The story as told is that my late grandmother was in the Queen Alexandra Nursing Corps in the far east and upon the Japanese surrender and as the highest ranking officer in her area received the sword. I have no way of verifying this. I'm looking to confirm whether the sword is authentic and ideally as much about it as possible. Images attached. I appreciate your time and patience in any replies as you must get this alot... Many thanks Russell