badkarma11

Brian and Rivkin, Thank you for your responses. Alex

Greetings, all The post below is what I originally posted regarding this sword if anyone needs a refresher or is interested. The kind forum members were quite helpful as to it's probable origins. I had poor images of the mei at the time. I have cleaned up the area (some surface rust) using the gentlest method that I could find and am now posting images in the hope that one of you kind enthusiasts might be able to better read it. My intention is to part with it, as I am not a collector and I feel it would be better off in the hands of a true enthusiast. Any suggestions (such as send it out to be examined by experts) regarding steps I should take would be welcomed. Thanks in advance Alex

I just need one more small seppa to make the assembly snug. There are two on one side and only one on the other.

Thank you all!

Hello again, helpful folks of the board. I have a couple of questions, some I put in the 'what is this thing' post of mine, one or two are new. Other post: http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/32339-i-need-help-identifying-a-sword/page-1 1.Could anyone suggest where I might obtain an era appropriate seppa for this blade? 2.The wrapping on the scabbard is detached at one end. How should I fix it or who might be able to? (picture in page two of the other post) 3. Can anyone direct me to a source on how to properly wrap the sageo? Thanks in advance, Alex Happy Independence Day to my US comrades.

Beautiful! Congratulations!

I have taken a (hopefully) better picture of the mei: Also, the wrapping on the upper end of the scabbard had become detached (got it that way). Is there a craftsman who could properly re-attached it or offer me guidance on how I should do it myself? Also, a picture of the seppa etc:

Looks great sir!

Could anyone suggest where I might get era appropriate seppa for this sword?

Thank you Grey, I won't do anything that I don't have to, other than clean it and oil it with the proper materials. I know my limitations. I appreciate the others that have weighed in and further revealing the markings on the tang would help in further identifying it. For the nonce, I'll leave it be.

Any suggestions? Would 'Goo Gone' be OK?

Thank you 16K. Thank you, Surfson. It is loose, but not awfully so. I will see what I can find.

Thank you Brian. So, it appears that I have a katana length blade but with a tachi style (two kurigata) scabbard? There is a single mekugi and multiple seppa (two small ones above the habaki, a larger one, the tsuba, another large one, another small one and then the fuchi. The tsuba and seppa are loose when the blade has been drawn. Am I missing something (another seppa perhaps) or is the mekugi in the wrong hole in the nakago? Thanks in advance. I find all of this fascinating. Alex

Thank you Ken. That link doesn't work but I have another from a post above.

The wire brush just happened to be near where I took the picture. No worries!

Blade pictures:

Here are clearer pictures (I hope) Moderators, Admins, could you move this post to the General section and remove the reference to 'Gunto' in the thread title?

Thanks Grey, I got it. I have removed the handle. The brass pin had been replaced by a wooden one at some point, unless it was never brass.. Bruce, The length of the nagasa is approx 25.5 inches (64 and change cm) The nakago was rather rusted but here are the pictures that I could get: These are all on one side of the nakago These are the other side:

The total sword length is approx 89cm from the tip of the blade to the base of the handle. Thanks for your responses, my Aussie brethren

Thank you 16K and Grey. My name is Alex. I will read the primer and then remove the Tsuka so that I can expose the tang. I will then take a picture and post it.

Hello All, I would like to determine the pedigree of a Gunto sword that I have inherited. My grandfather, an Army surgeon, was given the sword by a grateful patient who had procured it as a war trophy. My father inherited it and now it's passed to me. I have attached a couple of pictures but I have many more. Thanks in advance. 'karma