chgruener

Yes I meant Tsuba, autocorrect got me there! Lol

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!

Hello! I have a collection of several traditionally and non traditionally made blades, but this one is absolutely my favorite. I acquired this sword this weekend after a couple years of chasing it. The provenance is rock solid for it, and I won’t go into much detail here because this post is specifically about the sword itself. In summary, this sword was captured the night of March the 25th or early morning of the 26th, 1945, by 1SG Ezzie Bacle of B Company, 5th Pioneer Battalion. Famously, around 300 Japanese Soldiers and Officers launched the last organized Banzai charge of the Second World War. All Japanese participants were killed, and US casualties were high. This sword was among approximately 30 picked up by Marines in the aftermath. The sword has a Kamon which I believe is Paulownia, but I’m not sure which specific type. Perhaps someone here knows. The sword also had a field grade tassel attached and is in excellent condition due to being stored separately from the sword for 80 years, avoiding handling. The fittings appear high quality and the blade also appears traditionally made, but looking for clarification and opinion. No signature on the Nakago. I am exploring the possibility of narrowing down the potential Japanese Officer who carried this due to the Kamon, field grade tassel, and knowing where and when it was captured. It’s a long shot, but perhaps it can be done. Please give as much input as you would like on the sword!

Hello all, Looking for some help with this one. Can anyone ID this smith and estimate age? Thanks!

Hello All, looking for assistance with this one. Appears to be very old. Can anyone’s identify the smith estimate age?

I generally refrain from any sort of restorative work on damaged blades. This is now my 3rd. One is rather quite nice despite taking a bullet, and actually splitting the bullet in half. The other is a Copper handle Type 95 NCO sword which was struck multiple times by shrapnel, similar to this blade. I plan on oiling the blade and removing any physical dirt, but keeping it as is. I will though seek out a period tsuka with similar “wear and tear”, along with the correct fittings.

Bruce, Thank you for your reply. I will definitely take a look at that link. I’ve been able to read into SMR because of this group’s assistance and it’s quite interesting. This is why Im so fascinated by battle damage, regardless of condition. These pieces experienced war and ultimately felt similar consequences as their owners. It’s as close as we can get to those men.