Hal

I agree, age should not be a factor in collecting, but if you start collecting at a younger age, you generally have more time to do so and generally longer to enjoy the fruits of your labour. It also depends on your ability to pay for such items and/or restoration. I am 67 years of age and although I have been collecting and researching military items and their owners' service history for around thirty years, there are times I wish I had started at a much earlier age. I guess the important aspect is to be happy with what you collect, irrespective of age.

Thank you Stephen, your sense of humour has left me speechless. Seriously, thank you for the guidance and suggestion. At my age, collecting Samurai swords would not be feasible, taking also into consideration the costs involved. Obviously, I will investigate my sword's history and other variables, as I have done with my non-Japanese military items. I find the path of investigating an item's history and its owner's service record both challenging and rewarding.

Thank you rematron. I quite understand the difficulties involved in identifying such objects, in fact most objects of historical value. I think some forum members need to understand there are some participants, like me, who have absolutely no idea about Japanese swords. Thus there has to be a starting point in the learning process, which is based on the guidance of more experienced forum members and the thirst for knowledge of the 'newbie'. I quite understand speculation, discrepancy and differing perceptions may evolve, that's normal. I began to peruse through the internet to learn about Japanese swords and frankly, I was overwhelmed by the amount of information that is available. Having never learnt the Japanese language and being presented with Japanese technical terms, the eras, the schools and so on is challenging and it will take time. I am intrigued by this sword, I never owned one, nor did I expect to acquire one. My military collection encompasses only a couple of Japanese items, namely a WW2 captured flag and a couple of medals, the rest is Australian and European. I am quite happy with the sword's general history and allied information. It's a starting point. Thank you for your input Rivkin, I will decipher your comment later today. I am still learning Japanese terminologies.

Thank you John C., I have suddenly been overwhelmed with Japanese terminologies and it will take a little time to digest and interpret these. You are quite right Jaques D., a picture does not always tell a thousand words, but pictures are an indicator at the very least. As you might have read in my introduction, I collect military items and research their owners' service history. There is an abundance of fakes about and it is best to physically inspect items. Because I reside in Australia and have very limited knowledge of Samurai swords, I took the advice of a friend and requested information from members of this forum. I do not intend to sell this sword thus I appreciate any information about it in its historical perspective, knowing quite well there will be discrepancies and different points of view. Any information from a respected forum as this is worth having. I am still in the process of establishing where in New Guinea the sword was acquired and the identity of the original owner, a difficult task as the acquirer of the sword is not known to me and he is deceased. But, that is another story.

I just noticed, if you see very fine white lines on the sword, it's dog hairs of all things

Here are the pictures that are required. Again, thank you.

No offence taken, I am here to learn from those who have a much greater knowledge than I. I'll upload the pictures within twelve hours and thank you.

Please find hereunder photos of the blade. Hopefully, they are good enough and again, thank you for your input.

Thank you J, I have already tried learning some of the terminologies. To David Flynn, I live in Brisbane. Thank you for your offer to assist. I guess once I upload better photos of the sword, more information may be given. With the sword came a piece of cloth, it has written on it the Japanese owner's name, but it is very difficult to decipher. His rank is written as sub-lieutenant. Someone also wrote on it, 'very good sword'. I understand the sword was acquired at Milne Bay, New Guinea during WW2. Unfortunately, the acquirer of the sword is deceased and so is the person whom the sword was handed to. I have no information about the deceased parties.

Thank you for your input people. raaay, I prefer the sword to remain in its present state and rematron, I will take photos of the blade in accordance to your instructions and upload these soon.

Hi, Thank you for adding me. I collect and research military history, but I have limited experience and knowledge regarding Japanese swords. Recently, I acquired a Japanese sword, which was brought back by an Australian soldier who fought in New Guinea during WW2. I have no interest in selling this item, nor in the value of it. The historical aspect for me is important. I have appended hereto a number of photos of this sword and I would appreciate any input regarding it. You will note, the tang has rust on it and I am unable to see any writing. I am reluctant to remove the rust for fear of destroying anything that might be written on it. Any assistance proffered will be appreciated. Regards Hal