Officers sword opinion

[Bill Hermann]

Hi Gents,
I am a German militaria collector but my interest in Japanese collecting and the Pacific theatre is growing. I have an Arisaka 38 a nice netted helmet and a flag and have been thinking about a sword to add to my small collection. Have been slowly learning and wondered if you could be so kind as to offer your opinion on this sword. The blade is advertised as 18th century, to me things look a bit fresh, especially the combat cover.
Many thanks,
Bill

[Bill Hermann]

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[Bill Hermann]

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[Bill Hermann]

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[BruceP]

Bill,
If you're simply worried as to whether this is a legit Japanese gunto - no worries! That's a nice Japanese blade in WWII fittings. The fittings may look "too good" because not all officers were in combat. I have some navy and army NCO gunto that looked like they must have belonged to a finance officer at HQ, because they are pristine!

The blade looks pre-war, and quite possibly 18th century, but without better closeups and some measurements, the guys here that have a good eye for that won't be able to tell you more than that. You'll need to post some closeups of the blade tip, a couple mid-blade, and both sides of the tang (nakago). Also, it will help if you have some basic measurements like the figure posted below.

All in all, a nice one to add to your collection!

[beretta1934]

Bill

Welcome to the PTO (Pacific Theater of Operation). Best to display much bigger photos to get the best feedback. Photos are verything on a sword - "the story" is not. However - IHMO - don't ever, ever, ever buy any Japanese sword off Ebay if its sold from CHINA - Not EVER!

[Stu W]

Bill

Welcome to the PTO (Pacific Theater of Operation). Best to display much bigger photos to get the best feedback. Photos are verything on a sword - "the story" is not. However - IHMO - don't ever, ever, ever buy any Japanese sword off Ebay if its sold from CHINA - Not EVER!

Good advice and well worth repeating so here goes...don't ever, ever, ever buy any Japanese sword off Ebay if its sold from CHINA - Not EVER.


and ... it could just be the photo angle but that's an odd looking nakago-jiri. It shows very little taper and looks to be mid way between a Yamashiro Jiri and a Kuri Jiri. I wonder if that blade is suriage.

Perhaps those with sharper eyes (almost anyone these days) or more knowledge (Bob, Nick etc.) can comment upon that aspect of the sword.

Regards,
Stu

[Stu W]

Bill,

In case you read my post before the experts comment don't take it to mean I think there is anything amiss with your sword. Just an aspect I wish to learn a bit more about.

Regards,
Stu

[Bill Hermann]

Bruce, Beretta and Stu, many thanks for your replies and advice. I do apologize for the terrible pictures from the vendor, I understand that picture quality is everything when appraising militaria. My main concern was if the sword was a genuine Japanese gunto and not a modern reproduction and thanks for the ebay Chinese advice, there is nothing they don't copy these days it seems!
Best regards,
Bill

[nickn]

Stu is right the nakago goes look osuriage with ofd looking rust could be the photos ??
May we have better photos of the blade especially the kissaki

[Bill Hermann]

A few more pics, blade length is 24".

[Bill Hermann]

Thanks again

[nickn]

Well shortened older blade
Nothing to worry about

[Death-Ace]

Seems to have a few delaminations, but agree with Nick!

[Sengoku]

Certain traditions, "Mino" for example, are characterised by a very open grain. So I would not talk about delamination unless I had it in hand to inspect. I have a Wakizashi from that school and it looks like wood grain it is so open. They are often described as lower end, made for use not display, and notably sharp!