Field Marshal Gunto information

[Hoshi]

Dear Military sword enthusiasts, 

 

I understand the standard length on a type 98 was about 66cm nagasa.

 

- Was there a length requirement on type 94's? Any specific nakago length or sori requirements? Or was everything more or less custom made. 

 

My hypothesis is that the sword pictures below is a type 94, but it lacks the second hanger (which was removable, and hence makes any type of inference from my side difficult). My guess is that this is a type 94 with a general's tassel. But I'm not well versed in this field at all. 

 

The person pictured is field marshal Kotohito, which (likely?) would have had his shingunto custom made. 

 

- Would this have been a type 94, or a type 98? 

 

 

- Anyone has perhaps a better picture of this Gunto to share?

 

- Anyone knows the whereabouts of the Gunto? (museum, somewhere?) it should be adorned by the family crest of the Kaninomiya. Below, the (short) sword of his son who was a tank officer. I believe that this particular is in the USA, according to Omura, and is published in an american book on the topic. 

 

 

Thank you for your insights! 

 

Hoshi 

[EdWolf]

My guess a type 94 with the curved tsuka. Sometimes seen on early swords.

[Jcstroud]

To the best of my knowledge there were 3 different lengths specifications:

2.0 to 2.1 shaku

2.1 to 2.2 shaku

2.2 to 2.3 shaku

To accomodate soldiers of different heights

Nakago lengjth spec was 212 mm.

[PNSSHOGUN]

Yes, it appears to be a Type 94 from the curved Tsuka, thick Tsuba, and the low position of the Sarute. The whereabouts of the sword would be difficult to ascertain without detailed information about his surrender. Additionally members of the Imperial family were not required to surrender in Japan.

[Hoshi]

Much appreciated gents. 
 

Is there any good reference material on these early type 94’s with curved Tsuka? 
 

Any particular decorations to be expected based on rank, or was it standardized, with the tassel + Mon as the only differentiating factors? 
 

Regarding the Nakago length spec, 212 was the max I assume. Any specs as on the placement of the Mekugi-ana?
 

Did they drill new mekugi Ana in old swords at the time for the purpose of mounting or did they exclusively try to re-use existing mekugi Ana? 
 

Thank you for your assistance. 

[PNSSHOGUN]

No decorations based on rank except an original General tassel, without distinct provenance it's impossible to ascertain from mountings alone if a senior or junior officer owned a sword. The curved Tsuka is more often seen on early Type 94, as it follows the initial IJA specification drawing that was given to sword shops and Koshirae makers. An officer could bring in a sword to a shop and the Koshirae would be made to fit it exactly, it was a matter of money on what features would be included. Additionally senior officers were known to own multiple swords.

Occasionally with some of the better makers, the owners surname will appear on the fittings.