japanese officers sword

**Davidh** · 09-29-2011, 04:06 PM

got this today from a wanted ad in my local paper

its not mint but for what i paid for it im happy , that is unless its a clunker,, am i correct in thinking its a machine made officers sword ? i havent as yet taken the handle off , rgds Dave

**BOB COLEMAN** · 09-29-2011, 04:24 PM

Hi Dave-
Your sword is definitley a period IJA officer's sword and not a Chinese knock off. From your pictures, it can not be determined whether it is a machine made or hand forged blade. The shape would indicate a Showa era WW2 era blade. One way to tell is if the blade has ubu-ba, which is an unsharpeened edge about 1" above the habaki(the collar under the guard). Pictures of the tang will answer your question.

**Davidh** · 09-29-2011, 04:26 PM

Thank you very much Bob for your reply and help , cheers Dave

**davejb** · 09-29-2011, 05:03 PM

Thats a nice looking sword Dave, ive wanted one for ages but the prices have always been a bit prohibitive for my pocket, plus the wife keeps a firm grip on my meagre pocket money, dammit

**Alan M** · 09-29-2011, 07:05 PM

That is a nice find Dave , congrats

**shinsakuto** · 09-29-2011, 07:45 PM

Looks like it has a striaight or suguha temperline, I am optimistic it is likely a hand forge blade if it comes with this type of early superior army mount. Of course the tang would help reveal what it is.
I use to have a WW2 sword with mount like those, the blade was made by Emura.