Need help on info about this WWII Wakizashi

[Apollo]

I just came by this sweet little WWII Wakizashi and would love to know more about it. It was recovered in the Philippines during the war and brought back to the states. Any info on it would be useful.  Thanks!

[Geraint]

Dear Sean

 

Welcome to NMB!  Nice find.  While I understand the back story this sword has very little to do with WWII.  Because of the condition it is hard to tell very much but this looks like a naginata naoshi blade, i.e. one that has been converted from a naginata into a wakizashi. This would have happened before the war and the blade itself might be  some hundreds of years old.  It's had a hard life and someone has attempted a re wrap rather badly.  

 

Rule 1:  Nothing more than a gentle rub for the blade with a cloth and some light oil.  It does look as though someone has attempted restoration and they might have done something to the blade but you might be able to find a hamon in there and it would be interesting to see what it does near the kissaki or point.  I think the tsuba has had the same 'restoration'.

 

Depending on where you are it would be good to show this to one of the members in hand.

 

All the best.

 

 

 

 

[ROKUJURO]

This one has nothing to do with WWII, I think. 

It  looks assembled with corroded parts of possibly Japanese origin (TSUBA depatinated). The pictures do not allow to see details of the blade, but as the NAKAGO looks a bit crude, it could have been locally made in Indonesia or the Philippines  (so called "island sword").

Better photos of the KISSAKI, YOKOTE, HAMON and NAKAGO (please show NAKAGO photos always tip-upwards) may prove that I am wrong.

[Stephen]

Why would the menuki be mounted too close to kashira?? Probably the horrid rewrap.

 

[Apollo]

8 hours ago, Geraint said:

Dear Sean

 

Welcome to NMB!  Nice find.  While I understand the back story this sword has very little to do with WWII.  Because of the condition it is hard to tell very much but this looks like a naginata naoshi blade, i.e. one that has been converted from a naginata into a wakizashi. This would have happened before the war and the blade itself might be  some hundreds of years old.  It's had a hard life and someone has attempted a re wrap rather badly.  

 

Rule 1:  Nothing more than a gentle rub for the blade with a cloth and some light oil.  It does look as though someone has attempted restoration and they might have done something to the blade but you might be able to find a hamon in there and it would be interesting to see what it does near the kissaki or point.  I think the tsuba has had the same 'restoration'.

 

Depending on where you are it would be good to show this to one of the members in hand.

 

All the best.

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks a ton for the info! I'm based out of Utah so no idea if anyone is close. As far as restoration goes. Is there a better way to approach it? I'll post some pics with better lighting for you. 

 

8 hours ago, ROKUJURO said:

This one has nothing to do with WWII, I think. 

It  looks assembled with corroded parts of possibly Japanese origin (TSUBA depatinated). The pictures do not allow to see details of the blade, but as the NAKAGO looks a bit crude, it could have been locally made in Indonesia or the Philippines  (so called "island sword").

Better photos of the KISSAKI, YOKOTE, HAMON and NAKAGO (please show NAKAGO photos always tip-upwards) may prove that I am wrong.

 

Definitely appreciate the assistance. As for better pictures, ask and ye shall receive! 

[ROKUJURO]

Sean,

your blade looks indeed as if it was formed out of an old NAGINATA, as Geraint suspected. This might have become necessary after a defect in the distant past, as I think I can see that the "new" NAKAGO was formed on the anvil quite some time ago. 

This might give the blade an interesting biography, and I repeat my suggestion that an expert should have a close look at it before any further action. 

In the meantime, keep it dry, and wipe it occasionally with an oiled household paper (taking care that no oil remains on the surface when putting it back in the sheath in case there was one).  

I don't see rust on the blade itself, which is good. So there is no hurry to do anything to the blade except keeping it aways from fingers! 

[Apollo]

1 hour ago, ROKUJURO said:

Sean,

your blade looks indeed as if it was formed out of an old NAGINATA, as Geraint suspected. This might have become necessary after a defect in the distant past, as I think I can see that the "new" NAKAGO was formed on the anvil quite some time ago. 

This might give the blade an interesting biography, and I repeat my suggestion that an expert should have a close look at it before any further action. 

In the meantime, keep it dry, and wipe it occasionally with an oiled household paper (taking care that no oil remains on the surface when putting it back in the sheath in case there was one).  

I don't see rust on the blade itself, which is good. So there is no hurry to do anything to the blade except keeping it aways from fingers! 

 

Just realized I didn't include pics of the sheath. I think it has been painted black recently. Any idea on where to find an expert as you suggest? Also, the fittings had to come after it was made into a Wakizashi. Do they appear originally Japanese? Is there much I can do to get this up to a better state? Thanks for tips on the care of the blade. I'll make sure it's well kept. 

[ROKUJURO]

Sean,

the value is always in the blade! In your case, the mounting is of no concern, I think. Just see it as a means to hold everything together and relatively protected. I don't believe you could improve anything (except painting the SAYA pink! ).

Post an advert here for expert help, giving your address and/or contact data. I am confident someone will show up and give more advice!

[Apollo]

5 hours ago, ROKUJURO said:

Sean,

your blade looks indeed as if it was formed out of an old NAGINATA, as Geraint suspected. This might have become necessary after a defect in the distant past, as I think I can see that the "new" NAKAGO was formed on the anvil quite some time ago. 

This might give the blade an interesting biography, and I repeat my suggestion that an expert should have a close look at it before any further action. 

In the meantime, keep it dry, and wipe it occasionally with an oiled household paper (taking care that no oil remains on the surface when putting it back in the sheath in case there was one).  

I don't see rust on the blade itself, which is good. So there is no hurry to do anything to the blade except keeping it aways from fingers! 

While I have you. How does one identify that this was a naginata? Love to understand the clues. Also, any thoughts on dating this blade?

[ROKUJURO]

Sean,

I am dealing with this subject for more than 40 years now, and I am still considering myself a beginner as I have no opportunities "to drink from the source" (= to study in Japan). I have many books, have seen many blades and KODOGU, have talked to seasoned collectors, been in specialized museums, been in Japan for studying and practicing martial arts and sword making......

Take your time to dive into this culture, read many books, and compare your WAKIZASHI to other blades, namely NAGINATA. There are special features in the shape which give it away.

Dating your blade is difficult by photos alone. It has very probably been altered, so it needs to be seen by an expert who has some experience with blades.
It does not really help you to have my vague guess (it is possibly a few hundred years old and was converted into WAKIZASHI about 150 years ago) as age is not as important as quality. And the true quality of this blade may only be seen after an expensive restoration in Japan.

It is a very vast field!