Japanese Sword

[Ben Evans]

Chaps, this sword is in our museum, it was presented to one of our officers when the Japanese surrendered. I have asked the curator for more pics. But from these two can anyone give any info on it?

Cheers

[lew07]

I think We are going to have to have a few close ups here Ben when the guy gives You them.My old eyes can just about make out a NCO aluminium handled factory made sword with what looks like the correct sword knot on it.Some close ups should show some arsenal markings and maybe a number.I love these!!!

[Ben Evans]

Many thanks for that, I will post pics when the come

[Adam M]

I must disagree, it looks more like a shin gunto officers sword to me due to the seppa (spacers) and the tsuka (handle) that appears to be wrapped unlike aluminum NCO swords which have the ito pattern machined into the tsuka. Also the saya (scabbard) has a leather field cover fitted. I cannot offer much more apart from these observations but I am sure Bob and Guy will be able to help you when you get some more pics, I am sure they will require a picture of the full tang with signature if this sword has one.

[Stu W]

Hi Ben,

In my view it is most likely an IJA Officer Type 98 Shin-gunto and probably of non traditional manufacture. By that I mean it's not a hand forged blade. A Type 95 NCO sword would have the all metal tsuka and a barrel shaped leather knot would be the correct accoutrement.

Here is a link to some more info on the type.

JAPANESE MILITARY SWORDS - I

Regards,
Stu

[Alan M]

I agree with Stu , an Officer's type 98 shin gunto sword .

[Ben Evans]

Again chaps many thanks for the info, I am trying to get it for the museum we have at our main depot, they are trying to catalogue all the items in there and make up information plaques as to what each item is etc

[SteveR]

From what I see I think it is an old blade.

[ghp95134]

Let's see what the nakago looks like ......

[Stu W]

Yes, without that and some better pics of the blade it's far from certain.

Ben, if you need assistance removing the tuska (handle) let us know and we can walk you through it. In short though, tap the peg out and slide the tsuka off. Pegs are tapered so make sure to tap the small end otherwise you will wedge it in further. Also, if the tsuka does not come off easily resist the urge to pull on it lest you end up being referred to as Three Finger Ben.

Cheers,
Stu
PS: By the way, the nakago is what you TR collectors would call a tang.