Crusader22

One more quick question, the shop owner implied this sword is an NCO model, but given it's cost in 1942 yen, I would rather guess it is more appropriate for an IJA officer, though there is no tassel. Any thoughts on this?

Wonderful, thank you! The links you posted (especially the second one) are slowly clearing up the muddy water for me.

Also, as for the damage and condition issues, from my experience in other collecting fields, I know to LEAVE IT ALONE. So many WWII rifles, etc., have been destroyed by well meaning "finish restoration" efforts... Is this kit I bought for a modern reproduction katana (and it's proper use, which I researched) appropriate for this piece? And will it improve the appearance if used properly?

Can this sword be assumed to be Tamahagane, versus other steel types? Fascinating, for sure. I may be addicted. Jeff

Thank you both. Im getting dizzy reading on all this, this seems to be a quite complicated subject. I assume the "Type 100" is a less common variation? Im getting the impression it is not at the bottom of the barrel, so to speak. Very happy to hear that! Jeff

If I may ask, what "type" is the mounting? Thank you Jeff

That was very fast, thank you very much!! I will look into it further with this information. Jeff

Hello, and good day, I just found a WWII sword in a local small town gun shop, it was brought in by a WWII Marine veteran's family, and essentially "given" to the shop owner, as they had no interest and the veteran had passed away. I got it for a reasonable (to me) trade. I am very new to this field. The amount of variation is dizzying, and I speak nor read any Japanese. Im guessing it is a WWII production blade. It is extremely sharp, but the blade has several small chips to the Ha, and some mild corrosion. The hamon looks irregular and "dainty", for lack of a better descriptive term. It is difficult to photograph. All parts are serialled "74", and all match each other. Beyond that, I will let the photos speak for themselves. I am extremely excited to find this, and intend to start a modest collection of Nihonto, but have a LOT to learn. I previously was a longtime (somewhat published) collector and researcher of WWII German firearms....that was easy compared to this! Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, and I am looking forward to my new hobby growing and learning is my passion. Jeff