Japanese Sword

**Hal** · 06-13-2011, 02:09 AM

Guys, Here is a sword that I bought, along with a Japanese bayonet, at a house sale yesterday from the cousin of the veteran. There is considerable surface rust on the blade but no heavy pitting and the tang is signed and dated. Thought you'd like to have a look. Best, Hal PS; The cousin told me that he cut the binding on the handle but couldn't remember why.

**davejb** · 06-13-2011, 02:39 AM

Im not sure if this is Japanese or Chinese, the Dragon and Stork motif were i thought Chinese, as for the blade, there is a fuller along the blade, something that i didnt think was included in samurai swords, but i am probably wrong, its interesting that the scabbard shows no great signs of age yet the blade is rusting, im wondering if this has been replaced at some time, lets see what others say

**Eric Zentner** · 06-13-2011, 03:41 AM

Not post or pre ww2 japanese IMO looks like a modern chinese REPRO.
Eric

**BOB COLEMAN** · 06-13-2011, 03:42 AM

A true Japanese samurai sword. I will need some time to decipher the kanji as parts of the charachters are missing due to rust. The vet likely cut the wrap looking for the "hidden jewels" which was a typical bad rumor that circulated among the GI's. The dual parallel grooves represent the Buddist gomabashi or sacred chopsticks. These are a common carving on Japanese blades.

**Eric Zentner** · 06-13-2011, 03:45 AM

I stand corrected thanks Bob.

Eric

**BOB COLEMAN** · 06-13-2011, 04:28 AM

The signature is "Naminohira Tsugusada" an obscure smith from Satsuma Province in Southern Kyushu. I will see if I can find an example of his signature to see if it is correct. The date is impossible to read from the picture. The black color of the signature side of the tang plus the missing metal on the right side of the tang may indicate that this sword was in a fire and retempered. This can not be a certain conclusion without a hands on examination.

**Hal** · 06-13-2011, 10:32 PM

Thanks everyone for your comments. Best, Hal PS; Bob, thanks for taking the time to identify the smith...much appreciated!

**Alan M** · 06-20-2011, 05:41 PM

A very nice sword Hal , Is there any chance of some close ups of the blade please ?

**Hal** · 06-21-2011, 01:28 AM

by Alan M

A very nice sword Hal , Is there any chance of some close ups of the blade please ?

Hi Alan, Give me a day or two and I'll post better pics. Best, Hal

**Dean** · 06-21-2011, 01:40 AM

Awesome! looks like you scored! If you're lucky this might 19th century unless the said maker wasnt around then. maybe Bob knows the era of the maker? This would help to date it. Too bad the "jewels" are already taken! LOL! Maybe someone can re-wrap the handle for you. Also, I LOVE the tsuba (hand-gaurd) and the gilded tigers! Thanks for sharing this rough beauty.
~Dean