Major General Yamamoto’s Sword

[chgruener]

Hello all, 

 

Been awhile since I posted anything new from the museum. According to provenance, this sword belonged to Major General Yamamoto, who I understand was the commanding general for the Japanese Army’s 157th Infantry Division. Not 100% sure if accurate. The sword was surrendered to US Brigadier General M. B. Bell of the 81st Infantry Division. 
 

Please see this link for more detailed photos, I cannot post the others due to size: 

 

https://imgur.com/a/HqSUvnj

 

Any input on this sword would be greatly appreciated. Especially possible age, information about MG Yamamoto, and technical info about the sword. Thank you!

[PNSSHOGUN]

Very interesting, could you please take a photo of the silver crest on the bottom of the handle? The mounts look to have been made by Suya Shoten, if you check the Tsuba there may be a small harp logo. Sometimes the officers initials are scratched into the Tsuba and fittings. The blade appears very old, perhaps Yamato-Den. The 157th Division is listed as being formed in Feburary 1945, as homeland defence: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/157th_Division_(Imperial_Japanese_Army)

 

There are quite a few generals by that name:

 

https://generals.dk/...ion/Japan/Yamam.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[george trotter]

Hi Christopher,

Just a suggestion, but since you know the details of the surrender, the regiment numbers and the US officer/regiment receiving this sword at the surrender, then maybe if you contacted the museum / appropriate US records library you might be able to find many details of Yamamoto - even film of the surrender and maybe even documents.

Just a thought.

Regards...