Needed to know if sword is real or replica. It is answered now.

[long2534]

I bought this sword recently. I didn't pay much for it and I bought it with 0 research bc my good friend said its legit which was enough for me. Him saying that just meant he believed it, not that it is true though. I am pretty sure the orange tassel thingy was tied on later bc someone thought it enhanced the appearance. The tassel may be the string for the bag/covering the sword came in. The tang has the anchor stamp which I think is from toyokawa and the research I've done leads me to think this is a mass produced machine made naval officers sword. As far as swords go its not great but if it is really from ww2 then that is neat. Several of its pieces are numbered 16 which I guess helped when putting together lots of machine made parts. I'd like to know if it is authentic bc I have to sell it. I need to know if I should sell it as authentic or as a replica. A piece that has confused me is that there is no loop at the bottom of the handle of the sword like I see on most others. Any info will be greatly appreciated. Thanks ahead of time

 

Edit: does the black stuff on the other side of the tang say anything or is it a smear? 

[vajo]

Its a Japanese made sword for us serviceman after the war.

Search for Bruce Penningtons handout. He describes all about these swords.

[long2534]

Thanks. I will read up on it. So it's not a Chinese replica so at least that's good I think. Lol. Tyvm.

[vajo]

You can donwload it here.

 

[Brian]

Please don't use the header to write half the query. Thanks

[Bruce Pennington]

Benjamin,

I did some explaining in our PM, but the article Trystan posted has the full story of these post-war souvenirs. 

 

You are right about the cord coming from the sword bag.  These came in a bag when sold at the Army PX, and some were sold by the Japanese Sword Company in Tokyo.  You can read about our discovery process in this NMB thread: NLF Gunto Discussion.

 

The painted number on the nakago is Japanese for "16" matching the fittings numbers.

[BANGBANGSAN]

23 minutes ago, Bruce Pennington said:

the article Trystan posted has the full story of these post-war souvenirs. 

 

 

Bruce

Which article?

[long2534]

That article nailed it. I even have the brown sword bag and mine is an exact copy of that except mine doesn't have a hole in the handle which really drove me crazy when trying to figure out what it was. I thought maybe it was made at the very end of the war and that was why it was so simple but it didn't match any of the other swords made then. I found a record on a Chinese website where one of these swords was auctioned over 5 years ago and they called it a naval sword and priced it at $750-$1,000. I've learned it is not worth quite that much which is fine, I'm just glad it isn't a Chinese replica. The toyokawa stamp is my favorite part of this entire sword and it is in surprisingly good condition which discouraged me early on. It may not be as nice as the swords carried in ww2 but it's still a part of the history of Japanese swords, a low part unfortunately. I will have to sell it but now I can rest assured I know what I'm selling.

 

It is incredible how recently the mystery of where these came from was solved. I'm really lucky I didn't get this sword 5+ years ago or the not knowing would have me up at night or I would've continued thinking it a replica. Ty to everyone who shared their expertise. I am very grateful. 

[robinalexander]

Hi Benjamin,

Just for my interest, would it be possible to post a couple of clear pics of the (sword bag?) tassel?

Tks Rob

[Bruce Pennington]

10 hours ago, BANGBANGSAN said:

Bruce

Which article?

Dang.  Sorry to both Chris & Trystan!  I don’t know why my brain has melted you two guys together in my head.

[vajo]

Were getting old Bruce. 

[BANGBANGSAN]

11 hours ago, Bruce Pennington said:

Dang.  Sorry to both Chris & Trystan!  I don’t know why my brain has melted you two guys together in my head.

Well, just mark Rinjin Gendai for Chris(Vajo), and mark me with T95&Zoheito。