WWII Sword?

[wdp1308]

Was hoping those of you with the knowledge would be able to assist me in determining whether this sword is in fact a WWII blade or just a cheap replica. I acquired it along with a Arisaka type 38 (had no intention of acquiring a sword, mostly because I don't know enough to feel comfortable making a purchase) but was told it was included with the rifle. Despite all my reading and research on here I'm no closer to any definitive answer so I'm reaching out for your help. Hopefully my photos will be decent enough quality to be of some use. Thanks!

 

 

[Brian]

It's real, and older than WW2.
Search the forum for "Eiju" for a ton of info just on that tsuba for now. Smith translation will come soon. Give it oil and light wiping. Nothing abrasive at all!
Probably a mediocre level sword that was pressed into service during the war. But it's real. No huge value, but maybe more than the Arisaka
 

[Geraint]

Dear Weston.

 

Well, looks like you did alright with this one, barring unseen condition issues.  This is a genuine Japanese sword made quite some time before WWII and modified to be carried in that conflict.  The pale space in the scabbard is where the kurikata, the protrusion that has the sageo threaded through it, would fit but a hanger has been added and it would probably have had a leather combat cover fitted.

 

The tsuba is signed Seiryuken Eiju, a recent discussion here, 

I would guess that it is a katana, if the length from the tip to the shoulder of the tang is 60cms then it is.

 

Go slow, just wipe with a little light oil for the moment.  Others will chime in with more detailed advice but above all resit that urge to clean anything.

 

Welcome and all the best.

 

(Just crossed posts with Brian!)

[Grey Doffin]

Your sword is signed, "Bushu Shitahara Ju Terushige." Not 100% sure I have the Teru right. If I do this means , Resident of Shitahara (or Shimohara) in Musashi Province, Terushige. There were a few smiths working with this signature in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Here is a link to a care and cleaning brochure you should read at least once.

https://nbthk-ab2.org/sword-characteristics/

Cheers neighbor, Grey

[wdp1308]

Appreciate all the help and knowledge guys. Luckily I hadn't started any cleaning on it yet (either due to feeling lazy or the fact that I kinda enjoy the old rustic look of things) so the maintenance links were very helpful. As for the translation, big thanks there, learning Japanese wasn't exactly on my bucket list of things to learn in this lifetime, and based of my previous endeavors of learning a 2nd language, probably never going to be successful even if it was.