I am wonderining if I can get some help with the Shin Gunto. I am very new with WW2 Japanese Shin Guntos, but I believe it is a Type 98 Officers Sin Gunto. I also apologize for my lack terminology of the parts of the sword.
I got this today from the family of a US Army soldier that got this after an unknown battle in the Pacific.
The parts are a little loose and needs tightening.
I am also afraid to take off the handle to look for any inscriptions, because I have never done this before.
Anyway, if you can, please let me know your thoughts. Officer? NCO? Private purchase, a family owned piece? How old?
Also on the Saya is some sort of seal. It looks like a manufacturer stamp or maybe a family crest? It seems like Foil , paint, gold leaf?
Also one of my mail question, Also, if you notice, it appears that there was never a catch/ lock on the Kantana and the scabbard has no signs for a catch/lock.
Is this quite common, rare , missing parts, or some other reason? Maybe short on late war parts?
I have read somewhere that some officers did not have catch/ locks on older fitted blades that fit securely in the scabbard. And also some did not like the catch/ lock, for it is easier and faster to draw the sword quickly without it.
If you can give me any information, and your thoughts, I would be truly grateful.
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