A friend of mine has just inherited this sword and would like to know more about it. I'm not a sword guy, so I'd appreciate opinions from the experts on the forum.
Poz
Poz
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Hello,
It appears to me to be a standard Type 98 IJA Officer Shin-gunto with modified tsuka. See link...
http://www.h4.dion.ne.jp/~t-ohmura/gunto_021.htm
Here is what the tsuka (handle) should look like.
Regards,
Stu
Photo credit...used with permission of Moses Becerra.Comment
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You can find more info here...
http://home.earthlink.net/~steinrl/military.htm
Until the handle is take off you won't be able to fully assess the sword as the tang tells much to an evaluator. The pin holding the handle onto the tang is usually tapered so tap the small end to drive it out and see if there is any kanji chiseled into the metal. If so, photograph it upright in the manner of the attached examples, and post a clear image so we can assist you with the translation.
Regards,
StuComment
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We've taken the handle off and the tang is signed, although its very difficult to make out the characters. We've tried rubbing talc in there, but it still isn't coming up clearly. Any other suggestions how we can decipher the signature?Comment
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Unless you can show it to someone who reads kanji a photo will be required.
Keep in mind that some members here may be able to decipher the kanji even though they may not seem all that clear to you. It's because they can make educated guesses based upon what they have seen before. Post your best, glare free shot and we'll go from there.
Regards,
StuComment
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Nice original shin gunto sword you can find a nice complete Tsuka on Ebay,,,,,Comment
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