JeffinVA

I can't thank you all enough for the information and to come so quickly too. I've learned more in 24 hours than two generations have learned once my grand father in-law gathered it. It has been interesting to research the history of Masazane. I told my uncle what you all have shared. He told me that he remembered as a kid it originally had a small knife in a sheath attached to the scabbard. Once he took possession of it unfortunately it was gone. That would support the idea that it had another cover at some point. I want to turn this into a display piece that retains as much of the historical accuracy as possible. Do you recommend leaving it as is (minus the duct tape) or turning over to a restoration specialist? I think restoring the scabbard, rewrapping the tsuba, and cleaning/minor polishing some of the parts might be all it needs. What do you recommend? Thanks again for everyone's help!

Hi, New to the forum. I recently received this sword and trying to identify it. My wife's grandfather found it on a battlefield during Battle of the Aleutians when was stationed in Alaska as an MP. Supposedly it had blood on it when he found it although that could have been added to the story over time. The duct tape on scabbard was on long before I got it and about cried when I saw it. I collect antique battle rifles so his son (my step uncle) thought I would be a good owner for it. Trying to get any information about this sword is proving way harder than identifying the markings on an old Mauser rifle so I could use all the help anyone can offer. There are some markings on one side of the tang, not the other. The scabbard is wood and clearly in terrible shape. Blade looks like someone tried to polish it along the way. I can add other pictures if it would help. Again I really appreciate any insight anyone has.