chgruener

Thank you for clarifying! Always learn something new here.

Jean, Thank you for the very detailed reply! Glad to hear it’s a decent example. Would the Tsuka have had Same? I would assume it was wrapped at one point. As for the Kogatana, does that appear to be an authentic signature? I researched that smith a little bit and it appears that he is highly regarded and his works are quite valuable. v/r Chris

Jean, See attached photos. Hopefully these help.

I can’t believe I forgot to post photos of the nakago. Here are some I have

Just took another look, no star anywhere or other numbers.

Bruce, it looks stamped rather than inked. I did not look for any other numbers but none stood out to me.

Hey all, I recently acquired this in a trade today and am wondering what the experts think. Blade is unsigned, but inside the scabbard is a hidden blade with a signature on it. I know nothing about this piece, so if you have any info to provide it will be very appreciated, especially smith and age of the blade! Thank you!

Bruce, this is a photo of the other side. I also now realize that there may be a number “2”.

Thank you, Bruce. Nothing else from my observations. Just the signature as photographed.

Hello all, This sword is in my personal collection and I was wondering if someone could identify the smith and possibly the age of the blade. I’m assuming that this is a fairly “new” blade, being made in the 1940s, but it does seem to have been remounted once before being damaged. Based on the damage, it does appear that the blade took a direct hit from a bullet which was subsequently split in two. You can see the channels formed by the two halves, one exiting cleanly off to the right and the other to the left. See Imgur link for more detailed photos. https://imgur.com/a/Nrvm5ms

Hello all, Been awhile since I posted anything new from the museum. I believe this is a general officer’s sword, but if anyone can confirm or deny, that would be helpful. Any additional information about the technicalities would be very appreciated! More photos due to size limitations: https://imgur.com/a/MZ0Ggtb

Hello all, Been awhile since I posted anything new from the museum. According to provenance, this sword belonged to Major General Yamamoto, who I understand was the commanding general for the Japanese Army’s 157th Infantry Division. Not 100% sure if accurate. The sword was surrendered to US Brigadier General M. B. Bell of the 81st Infantry Division. Please see this link for more detailed photos, I cannot post the others due to size: https://imgur.com/a/HqSUvnj Any input on this sword would be greatly appreciated. Especially possible age, information about MG Yamamoto, and technical info about the sword. Thank you!

No provenance to my knowledge. These are the only photos I have of the sword

Hello all, This one has puzzled me for some time, however I haven’t properly done my research on it. I’m assuming this mount and scabbard are early 1900s. The blade is what I’m curious about. The etchings are unique, something I don’t see too often, and there is no signature. It does appear to have been remounted at least once before. Any input is greatly appreciated!

Battle damaged “Copper Handle” Type 95 NCO sword. Struck 3 times, once on the tsuka, twice on the scabbard, with one passing through the scabbard and the blade. Interesting to see that the piece of shrapnel that struck lowest was soft enough to form the scabbard to the blade, making an impression of the fuller. Pretty neat example. If you like of the damage, the sword has to be drawn about half an inch, clear of the catch. I would assume that it was being drawn or placed back inside at the time it was damaged.