WOW - So my sword story continues!!

[DaveM4P99]

Some of you may remember the story of my sword (1780s Tegarayama Ujishige), and how I discovered its WWII capture story from the Tachibana Maru. Thread here: http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=6575

 

And my eventual full restoration of the blade and fittings: http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=14899

 

So the blade (and the Nambu pistol) were given to my grandfather by his best friend right after the war...Col. Eugene F. Melaville. He was a division surgeon in the Pacific and was awarded medals for his medical service on the front lines.

 

Anyway, out of nowehere, Col. Melaville's step grandson got in touch with me today after reading about my story online. He told me that he has the other Japanese sword that Col. Melaville brought back with him after the war! I had no idea.

 

Here are a few pics he sent me of the sword, and Col. Melaville's medical book...

 

 

 

 

So I replied, and told him the whole story of my sword, from discovery to final restoration. I also sent him detailed instructions and a youtube video on how to take the tsuka off, so we can read the mei.

 

So, more photos of his blade and mei to come soon hopefully!

 

Any thoughts on the saya or fittings from these pics?

 

Thanks!

 

-Dave

[hxv]

Dave,

 

It looks like a late-war Navy sword. It might house a stainless steel blade with an anchor stamp on the nakago. Of course, that's just a guess!

 

Regards,

Hoanh

[reeder]

Very cool.

 

-Brandon

[Kai-Gunto]

I dont think its a stainless blade in that mounts.

Not late war. ,but mid.

[Curran]

Dave-

 

I have enjoyed following this story, crossing its tracks every now and then from the first time you posted.

I look forward to better photos from Dr. Melaville's grandson, be it a stainless steel or something more than that.