USMC bring backs. Swords, uniforms, medals etc

[Hessian]

I'm slowly buying out a large USMC collection and the Japanese items that the Marines brought back. He mostly bought items direct from the vets or their families as all the uniforms so far are named.

I thought I'd share the pics and ask for some help with the IJA helmet. Can anyone ID the red marking on the reverse of the helmet?

The NCO sword has matching numbers. Unfortunately the other sword doesn't have a scabbard. Was this a navy or army sword? Not pictured is a Arisaka with intact mum, and the anti-aircraft bipod and sights.

Also, there are more items that I will be picking up soon including two pairs of boots with markings. One appears to have Kanji stamped on the back of the heel. One set has hobnails the other is smooth... what is a fair offer on these? I don’t want to lo-ball him but I have no idea what they are worth because I've never seen Japanese boots for sale before...
Thanks in advance.

[Stu W]

Second sword appears to be Army Kyu-gunto. See this link...

http://home.earthlink.net/~steinrl/military.htm

Better pics of the grip required for me to confirm that though.

Regards,
Stu

[speedy101]

The NCO sword look's good it is the later type with the metal handle they run $500.00-$800.00 depending on condition that one look's pretty good. The other sword without the scabbard is a officers dress sword sometimes also called a parade sword they are fairly commom complete with the scabbard they are not all that expensive around $100.00 - $150.00 with the scabbard with the missing scabbard that one would be $100.00 or less. The helmet look's pretty good but look's like it might be cracked on the rim in front, also something about the liner and the chin ties that does not look quite right.

[Stu W]

The NCO sword look's good it is the later type with the metal handle they run $500.00-$800.00 depending on condition that one look's pretty good.

With respect I would suggest that's an earlier brass tsuba version with aluminum grip. Only the copper grip was earlier to the best of my knowledge. The later versions had aluminum grips with iron tsuba then went into wood grips.

http://www.h4.dion.ne.jp/~t-ohmura/gunto_070.htm

Regards,
Stu

[Stu W]

After a 2nd look I'm inclined to agree the other sword is an Army parade model as seen here...

http://home.earthlink.net/~steinrl/civilian.htm

Regards,
Stu

[Hessian]

Hi Stu
Maybe this shot will help:

[Jareth]

liner in helmet looks funky. Way too dark. Perhaps treated or replaced. The chinstraps are certainly not Japanese issue & are wrong

[Stu W]

[QUOTE=Hessian;5428653]Hi Stu
Maybe this shot will help:

Yes, parade sword with what I believe is a machine made blade.

Regards,
Stu