Japanese WWII Mystery Sword

**Majorkonig49** · 07-11-2010, 02:11 AM

I recently acquired what I believe to be an authentic WWII Japanese Sword. I don't know much about Japanese war relics, as I don't read Japanese (lol). But, from what I have been able to research this looks quite authentic to me.

I have attached photos as well as a link with this post (as the file size is too big to post here with quality intact). I have a detailed picture of the tang with a signature that I can't read (Japanese). It's a 27MB file, so please be patient as it loads! It's worth it!

(Also, although the picture might not show it extremely well, the katana has a strong hamon.)

If anyone can decipher this writing, I would be stoked!

Thanks!

*edit*
removed link and added picture of tang

**militarymania** · 07-11-2010, 03:18 AM

looks to be Japanese Naval style samurai furniture,,,blade could be much older than the fittings,,,post a pic of the tang,both sides,this should narrow down the vintage a bit,,,

**Majorkonig49** · 07-11-2010, 04:17 AM

Thanks for replying, there is a link just above the top of the first pic that shows a detailed pic of the signature, the other side of the tang is blank, thanks!!!!

**Alan M** · 07-11-2010, 03:03 PM

Hi Majorkonig , this is indeed a Japanese Kaigunto or Naval Sword , and is a very nice example . This is identified as a Naval sword by the fittings and scabbard . The scabbard is real top quality being covered with sharkskin and has the double hanger rings ( Shin Gunto or army scabbards only have one hanger ring ) . The Tsuba or handguard also shows this as a naval example showing the extending rays of the rising sun , and then on the tsuka or handle you see under the wrapping the dark blue coloured rayskin wrap which is again a naval sword trait ( army examples are white ) all in all a super find , congratulations . Unfortunately i cannot open your link , but i would love to see more of the blade and tang if possible