Tan Paint on NCO Sword Handle, Any Meaning?

[Otter42]

Recently traded for this sword, my first. I noticed there was some tan paint on the handle. Almost looks like characters,  wasn't sure if this had any significance.  Thanks for any help, Ken 

[SARGE]

It looks like it is just handling wear to the paint finish on this NCO sword to me.  However, I don't read Japanese so perhaps someone else will recognize characters.  

 

 

[Otter42]

Thanks Sarge. It's definitely a different color paint then the handle paint. 

[lambo35]

Maybe a primer paint? You might post the picture on the Nihonto forums, Japanese military swords.

 

Chuck.

[Blacksmith]

Looks to be on top of the original handle paint, so doubt that it's primer.  Could just be paint dripped on from a garage project.  

 

I can't tell you how many helmets and other WWII items I've seen with over-spray, splatters, etc, from their life in the shed.

 

To me, it just means that it got paint on it at some point.

[Otter42]

Thanks much for your thoughts,  Ken 

[Fortunes Of War]

These are all great suggestions.  My first thought was that the original paint had worn through to the metal and someone took tan paint and touched it up.  Some of those touch up areas appear to be back down to the bare metal in places again.