Hey everyone, I recently inherited the attached sword. Based on some "research" I believe it to be a Type 98 Shin Gunto that my grandfather brought back from the Pacific in WW2. The handle is wooden, wrapped, and there are no obvious stamps or serial numbers present. There is a fair bit of rust on scabbard and many of the brass/copper fittings have patina. I am horribly nervous about opening the blade to view the tang but understand that any more pertinent information is reliant on doing so. My current question is regarding cleaning/restoration, simply, should I do anything with the rust and patina to the respective areas? It hurts me that the condition of this item has been left to tarnish, literally, in my Dad's closet for the last 40+ years but am nervous about doing more harm than good.
Thank you!
