japanese sword brain-buster

[YucatanSuckaman]

I was wondering if anyone could tell me about the symbols on the blade of this sword? I have looked at numerous websites just trying to figure something out, but with no luck. My grandmother had the sword and I got it after she died. It was given to her by a guy who served in the Pacific. That's about all I know.

 

[galen59]

looks like a Shin gunto, marks look Indonesian, but hard to tell, more photo's of the entire blade and tang would be helpful...

 

[SShepherd]

looks like a stylized bonji with some "flaming pearls"

if anyone hasnt told you yet, for goodness sakes don't clean it up or try to sharpen it.

take more pics of it, we'd love to see them

have you taken the tsuka off ?

 

[YucatanSuckaman]

Here are some pictures and info. The text appears to be bonji (thanks for the tip, I didn't know where to begin). As far as I know it has never been cleaned or sharpened. It sat in a garbage bag under a couch for at least 20 years.

total length (with tsuka taken off) = 30 3/4 inches.

metal handle length = 5 1/2 in.

blade = 1 in. at its widest point.

tsuka = 8 3/4 long.

scabbard = 28 in. long.

 

[KeithXX]

Maybe the symbols tell a story and maybe they are words like arabic script or Latin. COOL.

 

[SShepherd]

look up the word "Horimono"

 

[jmijares]

if anyone hasnt told you yet, for goodness sakes don't clean it up or try to sharpen it.

Interesting sword. Put a little oil on the blade to prevent the build-up of any more spider-rust, but definitely don't try to sharpen it.