Doctoe Jon Posted September 30 Report Posted September 30 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. Quote
Ray Singer Posted September 30 Report Posted September 30 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 2 Quote
ChrisW Posted October 1 Report Posted October 1 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). 1 Quote
Bruce Pennington Posted October 1 Report Posted October 1 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 Quote
Doctoe Jon Posted October 1 Author Report Posted October 1 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. Quote
Bruce Pennington Posted October 1 Report Posted October 1 @Ray Singer @SteveM Any thoughts on the inked writing on the habaki? Quote
Ray Singer Posted October 1 Report Posted October 1 Unclear, perhaps a surname. Mine (三根) or Miroku (三禄) might be possible. 1 Quote
Doctoe Jon Posted October 1 Author Report Posted October 1 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 1 Quote
mecox Posted October 2 Report Posted October 2 @Doctoe JonJon, this paper has information on these swords and Masanao smith. 3 Quote
Bruce Pennington Posted October 2 Report Posted October 2 Jon, Could I get a close, clear shot of this mark at the end: Quote
Doctoe Jon Posted October 2 Author Report Posted October 2 Absolutely, I didn't even notice that mark Quote
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