Japanese Naval(?) Sword. Info Needed!

**RZM** · 11-26-2013, 11:37 PM

Greetings everyone. One of my buddies has this sword for sale, and I am interested in buying it, but I have some questions first. He said that it is a Japanese Naval sword that was made somewhere around 1938. There are no markings on the blade or tang. It has a ray skin wrapped handle and an iron Tsuba. It is quite a bit shorter than the katanas that I am used to seeing. I forgot to measure it while I was there. The scabbard was once covered in a thin leather, under which is a very thin wrapping of rice paper. There are some Japanese characters written on the paper. The scabbard itself is metal and appears to have been painted a greenish color at one time. The blade appears to have dried blood on it, which is very possible since it was found in the estate of a WWII veteran.

He is asking $200 for it. Is this a decent price, or is it too rough? Any help identifying this sword would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

**RZM** · 11-27-2013, 05:26 PM

There's gotta be someone here who knows something about Japanese swords. Anyone!

**maximus71** · 11-27-2013, 07:01 PM

Hello RZM, You should post this in the Japanese section of the Axis Militaria area of the forum, maybe contact a mod to move it for you, you will get more replies, there are a few good experts on Japanese items here, just give it time, remember its the holiday and alot of people are traveling and being with family so it may take a bit before you get some replies

I would take a shot at it for 200 but thats just me.

**drdata** · 11-27-2013, 08:18 PM

I would like to see the tang. Normally a naval sword is stainless with rayskin saya. This looks more like a type 98, but in very rough condition. I don't think the blade could stand a polish, nor would it likely be worth it if machine made, so pretty much a relic. For 200 bucks not a terrible deal.

HTHs

**Alan M** · 11-27-2013, 09:00 PM

RZM , i have now moved your thread to the Axis / Japanese forum , which is more relevent to your item . Please be patient , you will receive excellent feedback given time , as there are members here who are very highly regarded in the field of Japanese swords .

**Alan M** · 11-27-2013, 09:40 PM

Can you post images of the tang of the sword and also the tip of the blade please .

**Gunto** · 11-27-2013, 10:58 PM

Its not standard navy sword. It looks like older katana mounted for either army or navy use.
Need to see nakago and close ups of the blade .

Heres some kaigunto's.

**BOB COLEMAN** · 11-28-2013, 01:40 AM

by drdata

I would like to see the tang. Normally a naval sword is stainless with rayskin saya. This looks more like a type 98, but in very rough condition. I don't think the blade could stand a polish, nor would it likely be worth it if machine made, so pretty much a relic. For 200 bucks not a terrible deal.

HTHs

Although stainless blades were used by naval officers, this became more common later in the war. It is not unusual to find a true war time hand made blade or older blade in Japanese naval mounts. Thethe overall blade shape and the habaki or collar on the sword under the guard is not a type found on war time blades which is the reeason Gunto stated it is likely an older blade.

**RZM** · 11-28-2013, 01:43 AM

Thanks for the info guys, and thank you for moving this to the appropriate place Alan! I do not have the sword in hand, but I have seen the tang in person, and it is completely blank from what I remember. I will see if my buddy won't mind taking it off again.

Thanks again!