Moldy Sword

[A Grady]

Hi, I am posting pictures of a sword (in very rough shape) that belonged to my mother. I have no idea where it came from; she mentioned the handle was made from ray skin and that it was from WWII. She has passed away, and the sword was stored in a basement for some time. There appears to be white mold growing on some of the broken sections in the scabbard. I want to clean the mold off, but I do not know what the outside of the scabbard is made from and I am worried about using something like vinegar or alcohol if it will damage it further. I would like to clean it up and prevent further damage if possible. If anyone can tell me what the coating over the wood is made from or how to properly clean it I would be grateful.  Thank you.

 

The first picture is an example of the mold. I’ve included a few more if it helps to date the sword/determine the outer coating on the scabbard, but there is a lot of dust/damage.

[PNSSHOGUN]

Hello and welcome to the forum, the material used on the scabbard is lacquered shark skin over wood. Perhaps another member has experience with safe chemicals to use on this, 100% pure isopropyl alcohol should be OK if used carefully. Regardless keep the blade out of the scabbard when removing the mold.

As for the sword itself, it looks to be a nice early Shin Gunto with good quality fittings. The blade may be something worth looking closer at by a professional, for now do nothing with it but wipe it down with soft tissue and a light mineral oil.

[Brian]

Another vote for 99%+ isopropyl alcohol. Won't affect the laquer or anything else that is original. Wipe it over a few times.
The double habaki suggests this may be an earlier blade. Try and post some pics of the tang.
I would consider getting a pair of Gunto menuki and having this rewrapped. It isn't a big job to have this looking complete.

[Bruce Pennington]

Hi "A",

Not Tony Grady, class of '77, is it?

 

You can read up on your sword at Ohmura's site: Army Officers sword Type 98.

 

It only costs about $300 to get your tsuka (handle) re-wrapped.  It'll really give it a nice touch.

 

The tsuka comes off easily.  Here's a video: 

Removing Handle - Japanese Sword

 

And some care instructions: 

Japanese sword Care - Japaneseindex.com

[Sam Smith]

From personal experience, a can of WD40 can solve most problems. Additionally, it appears that the Haikan part of this sword is installed backwards. The damaged shark skin scabbard can be repaired by some experienced restorers through filling and repainting. Mother's belongings are worth preserving well