Scogg

Hi Jeffree, BONJI can be tough to identify, but I think you're correct with KANMAN FUDŌ. It is definitely a Nihonto; but in very poor condition as you've noted. It is difficult to say whether or not it would be worth restoring, and for that you may need to get it into the hands of a qualified TOGISHI (professionally trained Nihonto polisher). I'm up in the Portland area, but I spend quite a bit of time down in Eugene. If you want someone to take a look in person, and chat about the sword, feel free to reach out. (Edit: I’m a collector and enthusiast, not an expert.) All the best, -Sam

I would have some concern that modern adhesives could contribute to corrosion of the seppa and may be difficult to remove without affecting the existing patina or wear. A similar approach without adhesive would achieve the same result while reducing risk to the parts. Just a thought. Best regards, -Sam

Some documents on the Type 95 Military Sword Leather Tassel. I'm neglecting to offer my google translations because they are not perfectly accurate; and I do not want to mislead in the interpretations. Source: Rules for wearing sword knot of saber Model 95 (remodeled sword guard): https://www.jacar.archives.go.jp/das/image-en/C01005289200 Firearms Section notification: Model 95 saber wearing and carrying guidelines: https://www.jacar.archives.go.jp/das/image-en/C01005222500

@chgruener I will relocate this to the Military Swords of Japan section, as it better fits that category. I think you'll get some additional input there. Best of luck, -Sam

That’s a very nice field grade example John. I’ve been looking for one of those for my field grade E&F Horster/SUYA Kyu Gunto. A couple company grade kyu gunto tassels that I recently picked up. One is a bit worn and dirty, the other looks nearly new and in a box.

Brian Tchernega did a wonderful presentation on tsukamaki. He brought tsuka dating from the muromachi period onward, and did a demonstration of a couple different wrapping styles. Some pretty incredible and old tsuka that he allowed us to admire. It was really cool to watch and be able to ask questions.

ホ = HO = 小倉陸軍造兵廠第一製造所 = 1st Factory of Kokura Army Arsenal All the best, -Sam

Here’s a couple that I took. The only mantetsu that I’ve found here

Finally found one for you @Bruce Pennington

Got another one for you @John C At the Vegas arms show

Thanks Bruce. In the text Dawson mentions a different example pictured in his 1996 edition. I wonder if anyone has that version, and would be willing to share a photo? Best of luck Seth, -Sam

About to fly out to Vegas for the sword show, but before I leave I flipped through my copy of Swords of imperial Japan 1868-1945 Cyclopedia Edition by Jim Dawson. The back strap of your sword is reminiscent but not identical to the “Sea plant and waves custom sword” on page 244 and 245.

Really interesting. I believe Conway is onto something. The blade appears to be the precise length of the Type 32 Otsu (rather than the Koh). Both serial numbers align with the with Type 32 Otsu range as well. Maybe some close measurements would confirm or deny. Stamp on the drag may be: ホ = HO = 小倉陸軍造兵廠第一製造所 = 1st Factory of Kokura Army Arsenal Nick Komiya’s thread and photo on warrelics: https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/Japanese-militaria/how-type-32-sword-born-791000/

Hi @ChrisW, Is that last blade the one you got from me a while back? If so, I can confirm it appears to be traditionally made . I also suspect wartime manufacture, but I was a bit on-the-fence about it being possibly slightly older... Best of luck with your sales, -Sam

Unfortunately the other side is not shown. I commented and asked if anything can be seen on that side. Hopefully we get an additional picture

Spotted on facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1YzXYi6wt1/?

I wonder if the tip is just sunk into the carpet. These typically sell for between $750 and $1500 depending on condition. Yours looks in decent but not perfect shape. eBay "sold items" will give you some good idea of a fair asking price for your sale listing. Best of luck, -Sam

After consulting my notes: If the blade # did match the scabbard #, it would be the highest serial number brass tsuba that I have personally observed with the Sakura Ichi stamp; but it’s right at that transition in my records, so who knows . I’ve been trying to make out that scabbard stamp. Maybe one of these? 社 , 社 = SHA 各民間工場 Each civilian/private factory or 江 = e = Matsue Supervisory Unit of Kokura Army Arsenal. (Not sure I’ve ever seen this one) or 仁 = Jin = Incheon army arsenal inspection I’m sure Bruce or Kiipu will be along, who might be able to recognize it. -Sam

Everything looks good to me. Looks like a nice sword. Unfortunate that the serial number has been buffed away. It has the right stamps on the ferrule to theoretically match the scabbard #. But it’s also possible it was buffed intentionally because it didn’t match. Unfortunately we’ll never know, and that may hurt the value a little bit. All the best, -Sam

Maybe the horse who modeled for the artist was just really tired I’ve always found the cavalry stuff particularly cool. Thank you for sharing. Is the backside of page one the tack and saddle diagram?

Unfortunately, I agree with the above @Hrushev, and I’ll relocate this thread to the fake Japanese sword section. For some info on how to spot fakes in the wild, this is a good link: https://www.jssus.org/nkp/fake_japanese_swords.html Sorry for the bad news. Sincerely, -Sam

In my limited experience, sourcing the parts isn’t what takes the most time. In most cases, the parts are already gathered before a craftsman is even brought in to do the fitting. The real delay comes from the waiting lists of qualified craftsmen. Even if you find parts that almost fit, you can still expect a very long queue before a craftsman can get to your work and fit everything properly. It’s not simply a matter of “find the parts and someone will put them together.” It’s more like “find the parts, then wait years on a craftsman’s list until your turn finally comes.” All this is not meant to be a discouragement; but rather to prepare you - so you know what you're getting into. Hope that makes sense, -Sam

3 years and counting for me, on just a habaki/shirasaya It's a long journey. Be prepared for some serious patience. -Sam

Hi Connor @CarstairsCowboy, I will relocate your thread to the Nihonto section for more input on the signature. More photos never hurts, preferably on a dark non reflective background. Close ups of the tip, full blade profile centered from above, both sides of the tang. It’s best if pictures are oriented so tip is north and tang south. Welcome to the forum, and thanks for sharing your sword and family story with us. My journey into Nihonto started similarly; with a small nugget of a story and an inherited sword. Best of luck, -Sam