RFM

Thanks Sam, well said.

Thanks all! Good to know, I will check!

The sword IS interesting. When I bought it, I was very concerned that it was completely dull. I sent pics of it to a friend and he asked to see the Saya. The wood Saya was completely severed the entire length of the blade. He surmised that follow-on owners had improperly displayed the sword for many years which had split the Saya and dulled the blade. Additionally, the cloth wrappings on the Tsuka were heavily soiled (extremely soiled), leading me to speculate where the sword had seen conflict. For that reason, I wanted to return the sword. After many years in the Army, I felt the sword/Soldier spoke to me. Kind of corny but that's what drove me to find it's owner's family. Some pictures are attached. 西澤一守刀　Sword of Nishizawa Kazumori 昭和十八年　18th Year of Shōwa (1943) Pic.2, 良重　Yoshishige Yoshishige was the art-name of swordsmith, his real name was Komiyama Ryōzō 小宮山良三　（1902- ?) from Seki, Gifu Prefecture.

Bruce, here are some more pics (no seppas). Thanks for sending the Plimpton's book pages! Wow, very nice! That is my sword, but light years better. Do you have any idea on how I might repair the handguard? My sword has had a tough life but I like it much! It's seen a lot of history.

Hi Sam, There is an official Japanese program thru the Japanese Embassy in Wash. DC. They only try to find the family of the soldier. The sword in question has both the swordsmith signature and the name of the officer (other side of the tang). I submitted the pics and names over a year ago. They told me it would be at least a year and a half if they could even find the soldier's family. Last I checked they haven't been able to but they would like me to give them a few more months. I do appreciate your thoughts on this though. Cheers, Roger

Thanks Bruce! Glad to know there’s also someone in Colorado Springs working with this! Here are some photos you ask for. I like the sword but it’s in pretty bad shape as you can see. It is not signed on the tang. I have three other swords in a little better condition than this one. Only one of them is signed and I sent the information on it to the Japanese embassy and they are looking into repatriate it to its original family. have a great trip!

Thanks much! Very helpful! I do think it is quite old. Cheers!

thank you!!

Hello All! I'm a new member to this site (and a novice on Japanese swords). I'd greatly appreciate your thoughts on this sword I bought at an auction today for $150. I believe it is an Army Kyu-Gunto but I'm just guessing. The blade is still quite sharp (all the way back to the hilt. I took the Menuki out but could not get the tsuba off. Seems like there might be another pin (I can get it about 1/4" inches off). The Saya is metal covered in some sort of cloth. Thoughts? Thank you!!

Thank you Bruce! This is most helpful!

Bruce, Here's the photo + some others. Thanks much! Roger

Hi Bruce, the stamp is very small, about 1/4 inch square. I’ll send a better pic later this morning. Thanks! Roger

I greatly appreciate everyone's comments and expertise! Some other facts about my sword: 1) it's in poor shape; 2) the blade length is 26 inches; 3) it is NOT very sharp; it has a nice hamon. I understand it's not uncommon for WW2 blades to be a bit duller (is that true?). Thanks again to all! Merry Christmas!

Hi all! I am new to this website. I recently purchased an old World War II Japanese sword. I would greatly appreciate any assistance in translating the signatures on both sides. Thank you so much!