Japanese sword questions

Joined
Feb 25, 2012
Messages
4
I'm new to this forum, hope I am posting in the correct area.

I have been given a Japanese sword brought back from New Guinea after the war by an old soldier. Perhaps someone on this forum can help me with identification? The sword is in very poor condition, is it worth restoring? Does anyone restore these swords in Australia? Can parts be obtained? The handle is missing, can one be obtained and if so where? Thanking you in advance for any info provided.

IMG_1195_800.jpg


tang_800.jpg
 
It's a gunto and it's missing a lot of components, but the fact that yours has a signature on the tang means it's likely a hand-forged blade rather than machine manufacture like the majority of them. I'm no expert on these things, though, so unfortunately I can't determine concretely if it's a genuine example or what the name on the tang is.
 
With due respect, just because it has a signature does not mean it's a hand made blade if it is a WW II era blade. Most gunto were signed, except NCO swords even thought they were not traditionally made blades.

Rich S
-------------------------------------------------------
Richard Stein, PhD

Japanese Sword Guide
http://home.earthlink.net/~steinrl/nihonto.htm

"Never go anywhere without a knife"
- Leroy Jethro Gibbs
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Hence why I said likely rather than certain. :p

That being said, perhaps I'm off on the ratio of signed machine-made gunto. I was under the impression that most didn't have a signature.
 
Thank you to those that replied. FYI I have found a guy in Tasmania that restores these and other swords and has the knowledge to identify it. If anyone want his details send me a message.
 
These blades are found all over. All of the missing items can be found online and a lot of additional parts as well. They are not usually cheap nor is the work needed to bring the blade back as much as possible but it will be well worth the money if you find a reputable person.
 
broe...thank you for your reply. As I said I have found a guy in Tasmania who restore these and other swords. He has now examined the sword and believes it is a hand made example and worth restoring. I have also found some to interpret the marking and I am waiting for what she has to say. I will post when i know more.

Aussieaviator
 
Tried to upload an image to help but I guess I have to be a member.
I think your signature reads - Seki ? ? Ko Mori Hiro Toshi Saku.
Seki ? ? Komori Hirotoshi Saku.
Komori Hirotoshi is the smiths name, Saku means 'made by'.
Seki is a district, the two missing kanji possibly narrowing that to a school. Or maybe not.
Not 100% on Komori, either, but I think it is.

The stamp would indicate that this is not a wholly traditional blade. Star stamps are the only stamps acceptable on traditionally made blades according to current opinions.
I can't see the stamp properly from the pic but it looks more like a Seki stamp than a star stamp.
 
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broe...thank you for your reply. As I said I have found a guy in Tasmania who restore these and other swords. He has now examined the sword and believes it is a hand made example and worth restoring. I have also found some to interpret the marking and I am waiting for what she has to say. I will post when i know more.

Aussieaviator

Go here;

http://www.nihontomessageboard.com/

register and posts your pics. They will give you a translation, and more than likely tell you if it's worth the price of restoration based on that. This site is probably the best on the net of nihonto collectors.
 
Hi Mate
Are you in Tassie?
if you're in NSW
give Keith at Southern Highlands Forge a buzz.
check out his site -knifemaker.com.au.
He may be able to help.
 
Hi Mate
Are you in Tassie?
if you're in NSW
give Keith at Southern Highlands Forge a buzz.
check out his site -knifemaker.com.au.
He may be able to help.

Thankyou Meako but I have already sent the sword to Tassie. The guy there has the necessary parts.
 
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