chgruener
-
Posts
77 -
Joined
-
Last visited
chgruener's Achievements
-
I noticed that as well, but as a novice collector, I couldn’t come up with an explanation. I’d image that it could have been rehardened after being cut down?
-
Thanks for the input! I’ve reached out the few individuals in the U.S. who appear to be renowned and respected. The long lead times are what’s keeping me away more so than the money. I understand a professional polish will run $100-$150 per inch. I have several nihonto which I’d love to get professionally done.
-
I won’t be able to make it unfortunately! But thanks for letting me know about this show, I will try and make it in the future.
-
Hello all, looking for some expert help on this one. Appears to be a rather old blade remounted for WWII. Purchased this one directed from a U.S. veteran’s son who brought it home from WW2. I do believe it came from the Japanese mainland in October or November of 1945. Specifically looking for an age estimation, but would love to know anything you are able to deduct from these photos. Cutting edge is about 25-26 inches. I’ve notice the blade has a much more pronounced curvature when compared to my other examples. The two groves are Bo-Hi I believe? thank you!
-
Hello all, requesting assistance with translating this Wakizashi. This would have been obtained on Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, or Tinian by a WWII USMC veteran. The blade has seen better days, but doesn’t look to have any serious damage. Unfortunately the same can’t be said for the rest of it. Thank you, as always .
-
Identification / Age / Details / Battle Damage
chgruener replied to chgruener's topic in General Nihonto Related Discussion
Yes I meant Tsuba, autocorrect got me there! Lol -
Identification / Age / Details / Battle Damage
chgruener replied to chgruener's topic in General Nihonto Related Discussion
The scabbard was in pieces when I received it, held together with old tape. I believe it could have had a leather wrapped Saya at some point, no way to know. I know of a couple other non-gunto swords with legitimate battle damage. These were still commonly carried in theater. The damage is legitimate shrapnel damage, not damage from a bullet. As evidenced by the light damage to the scabbard in multiple areas, and not just in one. Shrapnel damage would be unbelievably hard to replicate and I don’t see why anyone would attempt it. Especially on such a nice sword. I just don’t see that scenario as plausible. -
Hello all, Looking for some help with this one. Unsigned Nakago. 4 Mekugi holes, one looks like it was filled at some point? Fuchi has remants of gold? Tsunamis looks like it had some gold on it at one point. There is some kanji on the Tsuba as well. The Habaki is beautifully detailed. The Menuki also looks decorated with gold. The scabbard was struck by shrapnel in several places, along with the blade. The damage isn’t too bad, but it did leave a nice gouge/deformation along the Mune. Blade is still straight. Is this traditionally made? Estimated age? Thank you all!
-
I noticed those too, had no idea what they meant. I figured it was something related to assembly or manufacture. Do these not appear on other machine made blades?
-
This could also explain the good condition of the tassel. I do believe the tassel is exactly as it was when it came off the island thanks to being stored the way it was for 80 years. As for the Mon, after doing some reading, I read the same thing about them being reused by families. Thanks for the info, Bruce. Do you have any opinion on the blade? I don’t think my photos are very good at showing the blade. Some are telling me it could still be traditionally made, but my photos aren’t doing it justice. But I have been told here that it isn’t. Is there any way to definitively know with a photo? Perhaps I should take more in higher lighting and magnified?
-
Great information, thank you! As for preservation, what is the best option? I’d like to get the damage to the Kissaki repaired and possibly a polish, but I know I need to be carefully selective who does this work. As it’s not Nihonto, I’m a little less worried, but the sword is still very special and I would like it done right. Or perhaps I leave it the way it is? What’s your take on this.
-
Thanks, Sam!
-
I can confirm that it was not added later. I won’t get too much into the provenance here because this is about the sword only, but the sword was obtained from the veteran’s family directly and the transfer was documented with letters, photographs, and a notary being present. Photographs show that the tassel was obtained with the sword, but was stored separately for many years in bags. The veteran’s son used to play with the sword as a young boy, possibly explaining the heavier tsukamaki wear and the like new appearance of the tassel. I added the tassel back to ensure they stay together and there wouldn’t be a scenario where they get separated.
-
Thanks for chiming in! Much appreciated. Unfortunately I couldn’t locate a name on any of the fittings. Thank you clarifying the Kamon as well!
