Howdy folks, I wanted to post these photos of a sword that my grandfather gave me years ago before he died. My father and I wanted to know if this is a real sword or if it's is a replica, as he had bought a few reproduction swords in his lifetime. Does anyone know any details about it if it is real? My grandfather was stationed on Attu, if that helps. Thanks guys for looking!
looks pretty good darren, I cant tell for sure, but here's one, and everything points to yours being genuine, ray.. Samurai Sword Identification and Price Guide - MilitaryItems.com
I would say it's very good..........clear arsenal stamps and seriel number. If you can figure out how to remove the handle you might be able to determine who it belonged to. There is a tapered pin in the back of the handle once you remove that hold the sword tip down, about an inch over a block of wood, and with your other hand firmly smack the wrist of the hand you are holding the sword. The sword should drop out of the handle, tapping the blade and the 'hilt' (Tsuba) with a pice of soft wood or rubber mallet. If it does not come apart look for another pin just above the 'Tsuba' and repeat the steps. Looking at your pictures: There is a brass pin on the end of the handle and a brass screw towards the 'mum' those are what you need to remove.
good info, brad.. here is a dissasemble tuition video, good luck, darren.. YouTube - Proper way to disassemble a Katana
Brad, you got me excited for nothing! I got the handle off, and unfortunately, there is no markings on the blade. I wonder if that could discredit it? I did find my grandpa's initials scratched behind the guard. Thanks guys for the helpful tips!
The NCO Swords were machine made and if there was a makers mark in that area of the tang it might be cause for speculation. You're in good shape with this one, it is the only place I would expect to find reference to the owner. Reference to the owner in anyother area of the sword would be a red flag. I don't think the absence of a name discredits it at all. It's a Japanese NCO sword with the Chrysanthimum that your Grandfather brought back from WW2 and HIS intials are on the Tsuba. The only ting that would add provenance to it would be the Unit Property Tag that was needed to bring it back to the states. Here are some pages that will keep you lips moving for a while: Japanese Swords - WW2 Japanese NCO Sword JAPANESE WWII BLADE MARKINGS - MilitaryItems.com Japanese Kokura Arsenal WW2 NCO's Katana ‘¢•º±‚Æ•WÍ Arsenal and Trademark
I have another question about this. So, these NCO swords were still referred to as "Samurai" swords, even though the actual Samurais were disbanded in the 1800's? Or does the title just refer to a specific style?