Japanese sword

[Aedthir]

I've had this sword for about 30 years. My apologies but I know nothing about it.  I had the handle off years ago and the blade is unsigned. I tried to get it off now and it seems to be stuck; not sure why and I dont want to damage it or myself because the blade (69.5cm long) is wicked sharp.  I showed it to a militaria dealer who told me the blade was polished incorrectly and ruined.  I'm not worried about value but was wondering if anyone recognizes the handle and scabbard configuration.  (And any suggestions on how to get the handle loose would be appreciated)

 

[SARGE]

This handle and scabbard configuration are called storage mountings.  In Japanese sword collecting the value is mostly in the blade and not the mountings.  If the soldier went to war he would remove the blade from these plain-Jane storage mountings and put it in regular service mountings.  

 

Your sword is in bad shape with chips in the blade, sharpening, and a really poor polish.  It still has some value but not much in this condition and configuration so the dealer was correct.  I would say the value is a couple of hundred dollars IMHO.

 

I hope this helps.

 

[Aedthir]

Thanks very much Sarge.  Glad to finally know it's in a storage mounting and it's a shame it was so mistreated.  The temper mark is really amazing where it can be seen.

[danimal03]

Neat relic that tells a story.  The good news is that you can hang it on the wall and simply enjoy it.  I really prefer the pierced tsuba which yours has. 

 

I have sort of a 'relic-y' old shin gunto which has a mon (family crest) and some unusual features.  

 

Mine was picked off by a relative off Guadalcanal in WWII.  It had an old blade but it was damaged in the fighting (or kids playing with it in the 50's).  But I simply enjoy it for what it is.  A survivor.  Plus a family heirloom...

[Aedthir]

My step-mother's father was on Guadalcanal in the Americal division, Army.  Strange thing is he's wearing a marine badge on his Army uniform. This sword didn't come from him, but you reminded me that there were dry rotted remains of capture papers under scotch/cellophane tape on the scabbard at one point.  I gave the sword to another family member and they must have removed the tape and paper before giving it back to me years later.   I had completely forgotten about that...

[danimal03]

Neat picture.  I have seen this 'swapping' of service badges before in pictures.  Sometimes the 'regs' were loosely interpreted and 'got away with'. cheers!