Japanese NCO Sword

[Ssteve]

Hello,

I'm well out of my collecting area here, but I was able to grab this Japanese sword directly from a Veteran and was looking for some opinions on it GOOD or BAD.

The blade appears to be unmark, but also appears to be spotless without any rust or scratches. The handle appears to be held on my wooden pegs or something. Maybe all this is just a common to these swords, but any help/opinions would be appreciated.

I'm assuming that if the blade is marked one would have to punch out the wooden pegs which I'm also assuming would destroy/damage them?

If I were to sell this is it recommended to pull it apart and look for markings first or don't the markings affect value. Probably best to just leave it alone?

Many thanks,
Steve

[Ssteve]

Sword

pics

[Ssteve]

pics II

[Ssteve]

pics III

[Ssteve]

pics IV

[Ssteve]

,,

[Ssteve]

pics.....

[Ssteve]

Thanks for any help !

[harley guy]

personally id leave it alone...but that's me...nice sword

[RodneyO]

Looks Nice!! It's an officer's Type 98. Missing the knot loop (sarute), a family Mon on the pommel (kabuto-gane), and a nice pierced tsuba and what looks like all the washers (seppas). Here's a website: http://www.h4.dion.ne.jp/~t-ohmura/gunto_002.htm

[Paul G]

Looks like a nice original sword to me. I Like it The blade looks immaculate. By the lack of an active Hamon, I wouls say its probably machine made. I would pull the handle to be sure of what I had before selling it. Only do it with expert guidance though!

PG-

[Ssteve]

I really appreciate the reply's and great information.

I guess my only other question is if there were markings on the blade would they really affect the value of the sword or are the values of these types of swords pretty much the same regardless. I have "ZERO" talent and would really hate to even attempt to disassemble this thing.

thanks again,
Steve

[Budo45]

Well from the pix we really cant say if its hand forged or machine made, most pix of the blade are washed out, one shows the suguha hamon but unless we see it closer its hard to say, not all suguha means its just showato, BTW there made to be taken apart to clean and if you use the right driff the peg will come out without dammage. Id be glad to walk you tru it.

my only other question is if there were markings on the blade would they really affect the value of the sword

yes very much so, if its stamped seki or showa its just mass produced, if star stamp its hand forged, and the famed Yasukuin smiths did most most of there blades in Suguha hamon, just dont get your hopes up.

[Ssteve]

Sword

Here's a couple more pics of the blade, but I'm not sure if they are any better.

[Ssteve]

pics