Mid-war Officer's Sword

[paulj]

This recently came out of an Army Lt. Colonel's estate. I'm trying to get more information about the man and perhaps more souvenirs. Meanwhile, here is a mid-war era officer's sword showing some interesting features that include a typically wrapped tsuka but with older menuki, very plain fuchi - kashira fittings and a mass produced blade with a hint of a hamon. It also has a very nice company officer's sword knot.

The light weight metal scabbard is painted black and seems to be aluminum.

Is there any information regarding the black scabbard as opposed to the standard khaki? Is it typical for this style and period?

[paulj]

details

[paulj]

details 2

[paulj]

details 3

[paulj]

details 4

[Franco]

Hi,
The blade could be older than you think.It looks like its been cut down,suriage.
Koto Bizen perhaps ?

[gunto]

Alu scabbard a rare than iron ones
I think too ,blade maybe older than ww2. 2 mekugiana and the cut nakago.

[paulj]

thx for the input. blade is 25 1/2", by the way

[paulj]

to answer some questions, tang is unmarked...no signature, date, or other marks.

[BobI]

Hard to say much but, the mekugi ana have odd locations. I bet it feels like a club in your hand and not well balanced? The kissaki also looks odd but may be the picture, is there a temper line running around the tip?
Bob

[paulj]

There seems to be a temper line. Actually, the balance isn't bad. It's definitely a working sword. What is noticeable is the overall weight. The aluminum scabbard really makes the whole rig incredibly light.

[martin guerre]

Is there any issue with this sword or all is ok ?
Thanks for your opinion
Martin

[martin guerre]

no one can help ?

[BobI]

I think this blade needs a "hands-on", I am also guessing the vet painted the scabbard. All would depend on the price and a hands on for me to buy it.
Good Luck!
Bob

[Stu W]

I think this blade needs a "hands-on", I am also guessing the vet painted the scabbard. All would depend on the price and a hands on for me to buy it.
Good Luck!
Bob

I agree with Bob. The black paint appears to be on some of the edges of the fittings. That indicates, if I'm seeing what I think I'm seeing, that it was a post production paint job. As for the age of the blade, well, I'd need much better photos to even begin a proper analysis.

Regards,
Stu