Any information on this sword greatly appreciated

[Doctoe Jon]

I have inherited a sword my grandfather, a US naval officer, brought back after being part of the occupation force following WWII. Its about 35" long, appears to have a wood or bamboo scabbard. I took pictures of the writing on the tang when a jeweler removed the handle. There is also some lettering on what I beleive is referred to as the Habaki. Any information greatly appreciated.

[Ray Singer]

All of your photos are upside down but this appears to be at Takayama-to blade by Masanao. 

 

https://www.google.c...rome-mobile&ie=UTF-8

 

[ChrisW]

A Takayama-to is somewhat collectible by Showato standards. They have an interesting story, but are not considered traditionally made. They were made using a chromium/vanadium steel alloy and were called "anti-rust steel" and were commonly used by the Navy (which is backed up by the fact that it is in navy mounts).

If you want to see another, I have one myself that you could see (as well as other wartime and antique nihonto).

[Bruce Pennington]

Hi Jon!

Your sword is a navy sword, called a kaigunto (army swords are gunto, "kai" is navy).  It would help to see an overall photo of the whole rig, but it seems to be a late-war (last year of the war) kaigunto.  They are Type 97 (style released in 1937) and you can read all about them on Ohmura's site: Navy Officers Tachi - Ohmura

He also has a page on the anti-rust blades: Stainless Steel Sword

 

[Doctoe Jon]

I'll repost those pictures correctly oriented, thank you for that and for the information thus far. Fascinating find in the garage w/my grandfathers own navy dress sword.

[Bruce Pennington]

@Ray Singer @SteveM

Any thoughts on the inked writing on the habaki?

[Ray Singer]

Unclear, perhaps a surname. Mine (三根) or Miroku (三禄) might be possible.

[Doctoe Jon]

I beleive I have the orientation of the writing correct in these photos and have a picture of the sword and sheath as well. Thank you for all the insights, fascinating to learn

[mecox]

@Doctoe JonJon, this paper has information on these swords and Masanao smith.

 

 

 

[Bruce Pennington]

Jon,

Could I get a close, clear shot of this mark at the end:

[Doctoe Jon]

Absolutely, I didn't even notice that mark