Received a kyu-gunto; knowledge appreciated!

[Alighierie]

Hi everybody, this is my first post here. I was directed to this forum by some others as recently I have come into possession of what I understand is a Type 19 kyu-gunto sword. I'd like to learn more about it, if at all possible, and to learn how to take care of it. My main area of knowledge is in military firearms and definitely NOT swords, so please go easy on me!

 

I've tried to do a bit of research on this type of sword but I keep finding much conflicting information online. What I DO know about it is that I received it from an older gentleman whose father brought it back to the US from Japan in 1946. From there it sat in a closet and collected dust for approximately 80 years. My understanding is that these swords were largely machine-made but not always, and that there is some variation in their construction; they were also in use from the 1880s and so for the first Sino-Japanese War and the Russo-Japanese conflict.

 

I understand that often more information about the sword can be gleaned by looking at the nakago (did I get that right?) though I am stumped as to how to get a look at it. I see no pins in the tsuka(?) that can be removed to let the blade slide out, so any instruction or advice on that would be helpful. As I said earlier some help on the care of this sword would also be helpful - I'd like to take proper care of it even though it seems the metal on the blade is damaged in some way.

 

I've attached a link for a google drive folder with photos of the sword. If any more are required I can certainly provide them. Thanks in advance! 

 

https://drive.google...4hM_fqvxsb0FPpfeBNwl

[Deiro]

Hello Cody, Welcome to the forum.
 

The blade seems machine made, but the photos are a little blurry.

Considering you keep guns, I don't think you will have any issues, just keep it in a dry and oiled with some light machine oil, though I am not sure whether the handle has lacquer work. 
I got to see a similar one at utrecht, it was in near mint condition, he was really proud of it.

Considering you live in the states you could have it polished within the country, but it will still cost a sum.
perhaps the scabbard can be restored as well. But I do not really know the market of these blades. I was told they're way more valuable than the later gunto. Someone like Bruce Pennington could give better advice.

[Alighierie]

Thank you - any insight is good at all! I use a product called 'Ballistol' on my firearms that is a combination of mineral oils; I presume that is probably all right on the steel of the sword.

 

I suspected that the blade was likely machine made. I'm not too certain I necessarily want to restore this sword or touch it up at all. While it is not in great condition I, personally, don't like the thought of going in and messing with something this old to make it more presentable to the eye. The condition of it is part of its history, I suppose. I do appreciate the insight however.

[PNSSHOGUN]

Welcome to the forum, Cody. You have a Type 19 company grade parade saber. It is genuine, but nothing of considerable value or importance given these are machine made with chrome plating. The above suggestion of having it polished is really quite bizarre to say the least.

 

http://ohmura-study.net/988.html

[Deiro]

16 minutes ago, PNSSHOGUN said:

The above suggestion of having it polished is really quite bizarre to say the least.

not by togishi of course, but I have read about people restoring gunto before.
As I said before I do not really know the market. That one in Utrecht was high grade though, but it had an older blade within. But it had the same style of "cavalry" handle but with what looked like samegawa.

[Conway S]

Hi Cody, 

 

There is nothing to learn from looking at the tang on this particular variant of parade saber. It’s going to be bare metal with no markings and you risk not being able to put it back together nicely. As John points out, this one has a plated blade. Once the very thin layer of plating is damaged, it has a tendency to peel and flake off. Your sword looks to be in okay shape. As @Deiro points out sometimes these style of parade swords have mounted nihonto, but not this one.  
 

Conway

[Bruce Pennington]

Posting photos

 

The guys have already said it all.  The finish on the handle, guard, and blade are all artificially applied during production and cannot be restored if you accidentally remove them by trying to buff, sand, or "clean".  All you can do with these dress swords is rub them down with a soft cloth and oil, then wipe clean. 

 

The nakago on these come out the pommel end and are hammered round, like a rivet.  Don't try to remove.

[Alighierie]

Thank you much everybody, I appreciate your wealth of knowledge. I'm happy to know more about it.

 

Also very helpful to know I should not attempt to remove the blade. I'll give it a light coat of oil and leave it at that. Many thanks!