Help with inherited Sword

[spidersrule123]

Hi all, I'm new to this forum but was hoping you guys could shed some light on a sword that was passed down to me by my grandfather who passed away. He served in WW2 and brought it back with him after the war. He left a note with it that says it was taken from a Japanese colonel who was later executed for war crimes at Sugamo Prison. I have been doing a lot of research myself and talked to some friends who know a bit more than I do and they seem to believe the blade is handmade and older but was remounted for use during the war. I also do not know where to begin to try and make out the signature. Any and all help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Ganko]

Your sword is signed ICHI Ryu Shi Saku, It is one of the signatures used by swordsmith Icihara Nagamitsu. Your sword is in type 3 mounts. He made swords for the Osaka Army arsenal during WW2. He is well thought of by militaria collectors.

 TomC

[spidersrule123]

Hey thanks so much! That is really helpful information.

[Ray Singer]

https://www.japaneseswordindex.com/naga.htm

[Grey Doffin]

Hi, name please,

Here is a care and etiquette brochure.

http://www.nbthk-ab.org/Etiquette.htm

Grey

[spidersrule123]

Hi Grey my name is Ian. Thanks for the sword etiquette material. I am looking into finding someone who can polish it for me at a reasonable price. I know it is a very delicate and time intensive process but I cant swing the $900 price tag I have been seeing at some places right now.

[PNSSHOGUN]

The tassel on the sword is for company grade officers (lieutenant to captain), major through to colonel rank would have a brown and red tassel. A very interesting and good quality sword.

 

As for polishing do not be tempted to get it done for cheap, you're better off leaving it carefully oiled as is, amateur polishers will likely destroy the value of the sword in the future and do irreparable damage to the careful geometry of the blade. Either maintain the condition it's in now or save up and get a professional to look at it, members here can recommend appropriate Togishi for you.

[Stephen]

Matter of record. How long from tip to brass habaki.

[Tom Darling]

Hi Ian,

 

To measure properly go to Ray's post and scroll down to the bottom and hit (measure) shows correct way of measuring the length of the blade. Muni-machi to the (point) kissaki. Are there two (mekugi-ana) or just the one rivet hole. Great sword.

 

Tom D. 

[spidersrule123]

So I measured the sword the way it was demonstrated in the link and it is 25 and 3/8 inches tip to end of brass. There are two peg holes but there is only one metal screw being used. Not sure if one went missing or this is how those mounts were meant to be used. Also, when I took the wrapped handle off I noticed three numbers that are shown in the picture. Does that mean the sword was part of a series or some kind of serial number? Thanks for all the help.

 

[PNSSHOGUN]

The numbers, as far as can be understood, are related to inventory management.

[Tom Darling]

That's what i thought, look on both sides of the (tsuka) handle, if hole was made for the 2nd mekugi-ana.  It appears that your nakago had a different handle prior,  only one screw for the top hole?  Peace.

 

Tom D.

[PNSSHOGUN]

No, Type 3 will invariably have two mekugi-ana like this sword.

[Bruce Pennington]

Ian,

The Type 3, or contingency model, had a metal screw close to the tsuba (handguard) and a bamboo peg at the top end. It's fairly common for either one to be missing. You can get replacement pegs (mekugi) online for $3-4 USD. Some guys cut the end off a chopstick.

 

The double-release buttons are an upgrade on the fittings and are mostly found when the blade is traditionally made.

[spidersrule123]

That's really interesting. The sword does have one metal screw by the hand guard but is missing its second peg. There is a hole for one to go in on the handle. I will definitely get a mekugi to replace it with. Thanks for the advice and info!