Guy0783

Most likely, it will be placed in the safe with a document noting it's features and origins. Maybe down the road it will get more attention in the way of restoration.

So, after cursory research and the information you all have graciously provided this is my understanding of the blade. It appears to be a Samurai's blade from the early Shinto period (approx 1600) appearing to be from the Mino area, the Nakago (tang) and Yasurime (file marks) appear ubu (unaltered) and Taka-no-ha (in a hawk-feather style). The Kitae (forging) shows wear that may have hope in the hands of a talented Togishi (polisher). The hamon appears Gunome/Togariba (undulating/?)

If there's interest, and it's allowed, I could post some pictures of a few Japanese flags he had amongst his militaria also.

Thanks for the link Bruce, that helps also!

Wow, thank you both for the information. Being new to this world, this gives me some new terms and words to research and familiarize myself with. It is refreshing to hear there may be hope for proper restoration in the future. At some point I may be able to justify the expense. Even being new to this I have a high degree of respect for the smiths that created these blades. I have forged some small things, and made some knives, and realize the skill and soul it took. I'll try to form my questions around the information you've provided after being able to process it. Any other opinions, good or bad, are welcome. I appreciate the effort. Curtis

I understand it doesn't hold much value and cost to repair would exceed value. But, I'm interested in what type of sword it is, approx age, what it would have originally been intended for, what quality it may have been at the time it was forged, etc. Any info would be wonderful. Curtis

Finally, some close up of the decoration on the metal parts of the handle. I can't think of anything else to photograph, but id there's anything that would be helpful please let me know.

Here are close ups of the blade, 3 pics of each side. Hopefully you can see what needs to be seen. Thanks again!

Ok. Got back and snapped a few more pics with measurements. Hope these help. Around 28" overall. Looks approx 7mm thick at plunge, approx 4.5mm at the end of the tang, and approx 40mm 'sag' in the blade. Hope that's not too technical of a term....

Ok. Got back and snapped a few more pics with measurements. Hope these help. Looks approx 7mm thick at plunge, approx 4.5mm at the end of the tang, and approx 40mm 'sag' in the blade. Hope that's not too technical of a term....

Here are some additional photos I have. Ill try to get some with measurements tonight. Thanks!

Sorry, here are a couple pics. I have some more, but didnt want to put too many.

Good afternoon, My name is Curtis. I have two sons, 8 and 12, and a wife of 16 years. I'm 37, from Oklahoma and have interest in history, militaria, outdoors activities, firearms, blades, vintage watches...you get the idea I'm sure. My father-in-law recently passed and was a prolific collector of mostly US militaria. However, he had also aquired some Japanese items, among them this sword. I'd love to identify it as much as possible and know the history behind the blade it is and it's significance to the family that would have owned it. It had a hard last 80 years for sure. My father-in-law saw an old man cutting brush out of a fenceline with it more than 30 years ago. The man had brought it back from WWII and stated it made a fine machete. My FIL offered to buy it, but the guy wouldnt sell, insisting on his need for a machete. Eventually, he offered to trade my FIL for a new machete. Needless to say it didnt take long for him to go to Walmart and swap the old farmer out. That's all I know about this sword. I know it doesn't hold much monetary value, and likely can't be restored. But any information you can give would be very much appreciated! Curtis