Japanese Militaria at Castle-Thunder.com

[Mike Venturino]

Last weekend a fellow gave me a Japanese sword. It is rather plain and appears to have been factory made. It is NOT one of the family heirloom types.

The handle covering is loose and under it is a bit of Japanese writing and symbols. It needs a handguard or whatever its called that keeps ones hands from sliding down over the blade. That handle covering has fine thread woven in a pattern over it.

The scabbard is wood covered in thin leather - either black or dark brown turned black. The wood is cracked and split and some of the leather has peeled off. I really don't care much about the scabbard except I'll have someone repair the cracks so pieces don't break all the way off.

I've heard the Japanese had things like NCO swords that were factory made and rather plain. Perhaps this is such.

Can anyone point me in a direction to find out more about these things?
Thanks
Mike Venturino

[gwsiii]

Mike, I have some more links saved at work, I'll email you in the morning. Seems to be a lot of stuff at The Japanese Sword Index here:
Be prepared to post/email pictures of the markings, probably the tang/blade and any fittings....The last local sword guy that I knew moved. Try Ray Labar at rlabar@windstream.net, Jim Dawson jimdawson@stenger-scott.com or Ray Deadman at crdrelics@aol.com....
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I didn't pay to much for that old Arisaka, I just bought it a little bit too soon!

[Garandshtr]

Mike V,
Do you have any pictures of your sword? At least those are helpful for people like me who are still learning. I won't have any answers for you, but I like a good picture. Have Yvonne take a couple and add them in!

thanks,
Mark
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Still trying to learn what I can, mainly about the Type 99 and Type 38. I have more curiosity than time, and more time than money.

[Mike Venturino]

I will get some photos to post in the near future. Getting her to stop and do them will take some effort.......

I did a little research last night and this sword is definitely not an NCO one. Its better than that. Its blade is 24" and its overall length is 36" so I'm learning a little bit as I go.

Thanks for the responses.
Mike V.

[smoker29]

Yes, it would be nice if you have a picture of your sword so that we can relate what you are talking about.
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civil war sword