Dave0258

I recently acquired a Japanese Naval Dagger that is missing the brass pommel cap. (Note first image attached). I am looking to purchase a genuine one. It should be a standard size as far as I can tell. An example is shown in the second attachment. Let me know if you happen to have one I could purchase. Thanks, Dave 1104

Photo of the blade

Interesting. That would explain why my Junior Railway dagger has a hand-made blade. I often wondered why such a low level position would have such a nice blade. If I understand this thread correctly, the 5-7-5 Paulownia configuration is for a much higher official in the Governor General's office in Korea.

Hi, I recently picked up a wak in gunto mounts along with some additional items. The story is that they were acquired on the battlefield. The blade looks traditional but unfortunately has some distress. Nonethless, it seemed like an interesting version. The mounts are fitted for the wak, and not a traditional size gunto. So I am guessing it was used possibly by a tanker. Or it just fit the budget of the officer. I could use some assistance on the signature. The first photo shows the wak along a standard size gunto. Unfortunately I don't have a great shot of the blade itself with me (I'm traveling in Japan right now). The rest of the photos are self-explanatory. I appreciate any assistance on the name. Thanks, Dave

Thanks Chris.

I should clarify my request on the date. The characters are difficult to see even without trying to photograph. I know Mark says it is 1941. I am just asking if there was any month or day also specified, or if it just the year.

Thanks Grey. Was the obverse side clear enough to ascertain the date? Dave

Thanks mark. I will attempt a better set of photos tonight, but I appreciate the lead. It does appear similar to the oshigata in Slough's book, page 48. I neglected to add that there is a Showa stamp. It is visible in the 3d photo near the tsuba.

A friend has a gunto that his father brought back from the war. It is not in the greatest shape, with some active rust on the blade, and a slight bend to the blade. The koshirae has some damage. I have identified it as a Type 98 Army shin-gunto. The tsuba is open work, indicating earlier production. I have oiled the blade with light machine oil just to try to stop the active rust. The nakago is engraved on both sides. I have attached photos and would like some assistance in translation. (And yes, I have tried to do it myself, but without much success. I'm having some difficulty in even figuring out how many strokes are in each character, as silly as that seems.) I am hoping my photos are sufficient to assist in the translation. If not, let me know and I will try again. Thanks, Dave Speck

LOL. Gomi it is. I'll let you know if i have any success. Thanks.

I willl be in Fukuoka later this week and suddenly found I have about a half day of free time. Anyone have a recommendation for a sword shop in Fukuoka that I could visit? Thanks, Dave

Ted, I'm trying to follow your description of the modifications to the sword that you described. Any chance you could grace us with a photo to help with the understanding? Thanks, Dave

Grey Doffin and RobertM just offered copies of the Fuller and Gregory book on ebay. Another book to add to your library is Swords of Imperial Japan 1868-1945 Cyclopedia Edition by Jim Dawson. Dave

Klaus, Servus, Dawson's book points out that all Type 95 swords with a copper fuchi have 3 stamps. The one you are looking at appears to have only two, and is missing the corporate logo. The arsenal identification (Tokyo arsenal in this case, with 4 cannonballs) should be on the right, and the arsenal inpection mark (to) in the center. So I would classify this as a fake. Additionally, the 4 cannonball stamp seem to have some of the circles off-center. Based on the legitimate Type 30 bayonet I have (which also displays this stamp), this seems to be a sloppy reproduction. I doubt the arsenal at Tokyo had to stamp four eparate circles. My bet is they had a stamp with all four circles already set and spaced. I would stay away from this one. Too many things wrong. And despite living in Vienna, Austria for 3 years, I too am hoping to hear what a Muhlikuh is. I am embarassed to say I do not know. Nevermind. I just saw your explanation. I always did have problem with the Austrian dialects. Regards,, Dave

Sorry. I should have included Mark Jones on the above list as well. Dave