Naval Japanese Sword

[Del Panfini]

Hi,

I have this what I believe to be a Japanese Naval sword. The blade is bright but it does have some old smudge marks probably from handling it but never cleaned. The blade measure 25 1/2". I am not sure if the handle peg was ever out but it is pushed in a little. I never had it off. Is it worth taking it off or is this a machine blade? The sharpening goes right into the collar. I know there are certain terms for all that I am mentioning but I don't know them off hand so excuse me for that. I tried to rub the smudge marks off with some light sword oil but didn't get them all off. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Del

[Del Panfini]

Naval Japanese Sword

pic 3 & 4

[Del Panfini]

Naval Japanese Sword

pic 5 & 6

[Del Panfini]

Naval Japanese Sword

pic 7 & 8

[Del Panfini]

Naval Japanese Sword

pic 9 & 10

[Del Panfini]

Naval Japanese Sword

pic 11 & 12

[Del Panfini]

Naval Japanese Sword

pic 13 & 14

[Del Panfini]

Naval Japanese Sword

last pic

[larry]

Navy

Nice navy sword, looks like shark skin on scabbard,and I would take the sword apart,


Larry

[Staldion]

Hello,
Could not advise you about taking it appart, wait opinions of advanced nihonto collectors, don't hurry as the ray skin on the handle (tsuka) must be dry, it would be very easy to damage if not handled properly.

The peg (mekugi) is actually larger on one side, the tiny side is the one stucked on the tsuka (handle). If you ever want to take it appart, you would have to push on the stucked side of course. Remember it when putting it back. Special hammer can be found on the net. I think it is the original mekugi and it looks nice, fitting well the hole (mekugi ana) without gap.

I agree with Larry, I see sharksin on the scabbard (saya), which is a very desirable feature of the mounts (koshirae). Unfortunatly it doesn't means anything about the nature of the blade (traditonal or not).

Whatever you do, take good care of it.

Best regards,
Mat.

[BruceP]

I agree with all previous. A blade in fittings that nice most likely has a smith name, a date and an arsenal stamp. All those are interesting to most of us, but you're the owner. If you're not interested, then leave it be. But WE would love to see!!!

[gunto]

Its 100% stamped Toyokawa and stainless. Propbly signed by a unknown smith.

[Del Panfini]

Naval Japanese Sword

Thanks for all your help. If I ever decide to take it apart I will post pics. I have a few more pics. On one of them you can see some of the smudge marks on the blade. It looks like rust but it is from the flash. Most of them came off with the oil.

Thanks,
Del

[Del Panfini]

Naval Japanese Sword

pic 3 & 4

[Del Panfini]

Naval Japanese Sword

last pic