Vipage14

Very many thanks for the comments everyone! It is really great to finally learn more about this item. @Surfson The cutting edge is exactly 20" in length. Definitelly a detail I should not have omitted. Thank you for reminding me. Regarding the statement of it being 'cut down' (Similar to the earlier statement of SURIAGE by @ROKUJURO) I assume the give away are the multiple/spare mekugi-ana? Would only the Nakago have been shortened for a shorter length Tsuka? Or is it more likely the cutting edge length was also shortened as well? I looked to see if hamon extended into the Nakago but hard to tell. Typically, what was the motivation for reducing length of the blade? Simple as customizing to the owner's taste or something more subtle?

Hoping to learn more if anyone else has information/thoughts they can share. Thanks!

A couple additional notes following researching the above comments: - I believe sugata is Shinogi Zukuri. - When I look at hada I see it as Konuka.

Really appreciate the information guys. Learning a lot researching the terms in your posts. Agreed with the nioi suguha hamon. Not sure if hada is in fact masame as the grain appears to my eye to be primarily homogeneous… hard to tell. Can you describe what is meant by “hotsure”? Are there any specific photo closeups or angles which would help? Let me know and I can add to the Google Drive link I included in my original post. Thank you all very much!

Thanks, Brian. Interesting to learn, and thank you for your warning regarding donation to a museam. From the photos I posted, can you (or someone you may know) speak towards the quality, likely timeframe, and/or estimate worth of my piece?

Thanks, Ed. Appreciate your comments! Just seeking to learn more however I can. I added a couple additional photos to the Google Drive link with the whole piece reassembled and mounted.

Hello, Seeking to learn more about a Wakizashi which was handed down to me many years back by my Uncle. Believe he recieved the blade from a family friend who was in the Pacific during WWII so I can only presume this was a piece he brought home. A couple photos attached ot this post. Also, here's a link to Google Drive with additional photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-0DMqMp0cC0PopDX1i11XgvsZfI54lA_?usp=sharing Details from what I observe: The Blade itself appears to be hand forged and not a WWII military blade. While my untrained eyes do not observe an obvious Hada, there is a clear and distinct Suguha Hamon. There is significant dark rust on the Nakago and three Mekugi holes. The fact that there are three Mekugi holes yet only two Mekugi pegs on the Tsukka implies to me this blade has been outfitted with at least two separate fittings in its life. No observed signature or marks on the Nakago. The fittings on the piece seem to be rather nice, especially the Habaki which appears to comprise of an inner piece and outer decorative collar. Unsure if the material is Steel or Silver. The Saya is a greenish-blue speckled lacquer which is presently covered by a leather protective sleeve, assumed to be original to WWII. The Saya still has the cutout for where the Kurikata was originally placed but I assume the Kurikata was removed to fit the leather sleeve. This implies to me the sword and its fittings pre-date WWII and the Saya was modified in preparation for war/field-use. Note that the Same is missing from the decorative fitting at tip-end of Saya. The Tsukka is in great shape with intact Same and tight Ito. Fittings and Menuki are all in good shape. Tsuka is fit with two Mekugi pegs - one large and one small. The Tsuba is a really beautiful piece itself due to its simplicity and obvious age. Subtle art of mountains, water, and trees on it. So, if I had to guess, my impression is that the Blade itself is quite old, likely older than the current fittings, and the sword was owned by some Japanese man/family who, when WWII arrived, prepared the sword for war and carried it with him with the ultimate fate of it being surrendered/captured and transported to the US. Now I seek to know more specifics about the blade if these can be determined. Perhaps a better idea of the blade's age (my ignorant guess is shinshinto..) and/or any other interesting facts about it would be great. Also curious to hear some ideas regarding the monetary value of the blade as I have considered taking an insurance policy out on it, if warranted. Have also even considered donating to the local military museum.... I'm sure someone deserves this piece of history more than I do. I've just tried to keep good care of it while it is in my possession. Anways, very appreciative to hear your collective thoughts. Thanks!