Sword ID help needed

russde

russde

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So here's the story. My father was in WWII and Korea in the Navy, somewhere along the line he picked up 'samurai' type sword. This thing rattled around the house for years (as in I can remember it for about 40 and he probably had it for quite a bit longer as he retired before I was even born).
He gave me the sword about three years ago and passed away last summer; and that has spurred some interest in finding out whatever I can about it. Quite sure he didn't pull it from the dead fingers of a Japanese soldier on the beach of Okinawa :D, but it's got to have some kind of history.
There is writing on the tang that I've tried to highlight with, umm, my daughters yellow crayon.
Let me know what you think, and any other online sources, thanks,
Russ
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Writing on the tang:
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It is my understanding that on the tang is often found the name of the sword maker. Sometimes it may be the owners name or name of his family.

It is important that a) you do not attempt to clean the sword; and b) that you find a real expert on these swords. It is possible your sword may have significant value. Good luck.
 
It looks like a type 98 gunto. They were made during WWII. I believe these were made pretty cheaply in high numbers, so they aren't usually worth a whole lot of money. They are a very cool piece of history, though.

- Chris
 
Hesparus said:
It looks like a type 98 gunto. They were made during WWII. I believe these were made pretty cheaply in high numbers, so they aren't usually worth a whole lot of money. They are a very cool piece of history, though.

- Chris
Click to expand...

Well, that's a starting point. Thanks Chris. Any good, helpful sites for more info, I'll search but figured you might know of a few off-hand.
Russ
 
I don't know of any sites that are especially good. A google search will find lots of sites with at least a little information.
- Chris
 
Hesparus said:
It looks like a type 98 gunto. They were made during WWII. I believe these were made pretty cheaply in high numbers, so they aren't usually worth a whole lot of money. They are a very cool piece of history, though.

- Chris
Click to expand...

This is correct. When Japan went to war in the 30s most of the low-ranking officers didnt have alot of money and unless they had an ancestors sword that was made forever and a day ago they were issued one of these swords. They were stamped out and NOT forged. Alot of the officers used much of there pay to buy a REAL forged Katana that was either made specifically for them or bought from someone else.
This sword while still valuable, is not going to be worth near as much as its predecessors... You are missing the tsuba and a few other parts.
Good luck regardless and thanks for showing this piece of history.
 
I agree with Hesparus it looks like a pretty cheap blade. The charactors on the blade don't mean anything that I can understand. I don't see a single one that means anything.
 
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