charlieboy

Hi John. Thanks for your reply. When you say they are 'authentic', do you mean that they are war time made swords, but are 'island made' swords? I am interested in authentic weapons of the Japanese in WW2, regardless of quality and place of manufacture. Can you assist me by enlightening me on when they could have been made and do you know roughly how many 'island made' swords were made for the Japanese in the pacific? Any insights would be most appreciated.

Thanks so much Thomas. I am advised that it is most likely an 'island made' sword. Do you know if Island made swords ever had Japanes last names inscribed in them?

Thanks Piers. I appreciate it!

Thanks for your feedback. I appreciate it.

Hi Seth. I've tried getting it off, using boiling water to expand it, but have had no luck. Seems to me, whichever way I look at it, the blade is not of Japanese origin. I am now trying to find out if it was an 'island made' sword and, if so, for whom and when. I appreciate your reply!!

Thank you so much for your response. Whilst i am now aware they are 'junk' at least you have helped me dig a little deeper in the junk yard.

Bruce, thanks for your constructive feedback. I'm interested in the ww2 history, so am intrigued by the idea of locally made swords in the pacific theatre. I gather they were a little like a 'last ditch' arisaka, of sorts. Did the Japanese force PNG locals to make such 'island swords' for them? If so, where would have they been made, and from what? I presume, as supplies became increasingly limited, a lot of ingenuity was required from the Japanese. Excuse my ignorance, but why would the Japanese soldier, presumably under immense battle stress, bother having a sword made by locals? I'd love to learn more about this if you have any references.

An Australian gentleman, who is a long time militaria dealer, has offered me three swords which he advises were acquired by Australian servicemen in Papua New Guinea during WW2. I would really like to get opinions on each. Age, type and authenticity please. I will upload five photos of each blade, as follows. Signed tang. Lengthened/joined tang. Unsigned tang. Thankyou so very much

Greetings. I am hoping somebody may be willing to authenticate this sword and identify the signature and age.