Thought you might find this interesting. My father-in-law 'obtained' this in the Philippines in WWII. The slice you see on the end of the scabbard was made by the round that -didn't- get the previous owner. I had a guy here in town who is very well versed in Japanese weapons take a look at this. He estimated it's age at 150 years old. He wasn't sure of the scabbard's age but figured the sword was a family heirloom fitted with a standard issue military sheath. He gave it to me a few years ago. I will do the same for my grandson.

Very nice piece...did the individual you had look at it remove the handle and hilt to see if the makers signature was on the tang?

Yep. That's how he estimated the age. I originally brought it to him hoping to find a family name on it somewhere. I intended to give it back to the family (after my father-in-law goes on ahead). I felt it would be the right thing to do but I was told that the writing inside was the makers info and it would be impossible to find the family. So, now it stays with mine.

If you take it to the Japanese Embassy they will tell you all about it. They are offering millions in rewards for the return of many "national treasures" that were liberated in WWII, most of them on the battlefield. Yours may be one of those.

Thanks for the info.

0306 2400 0001 7619 6201

really cool.

Some of those old swords were of extremely high quality.

LMAO @ pablo....he just slipped that in there...

#6

Label/Receipt Number: 0306 2400 0001 7619 6201

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