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Posted: 9/6/2011 2:30:30 PM EDT
[#1]
thats awesome OP!!!!!
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Posted: 9/6/2011 2:31:41 PM EDT
[#2]
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Posted: 9/6/2011 2:31:42 PM EDT
[#3]
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Quoted:
Quoted:
I remember a few years back in Japan there was a movement to start "pressuring" our government to force the return of family heirloom swords that were captured during WW2. I say they can kiss our asses! Yeah, good luck with that Japan. I say it YOUR family heirloom now! I don't think an NCO sword is what they meant by family heirlooms. I suspect few heirloom swords were brought back, and most are now among hard core collectors. The Japanese can attend auctions and try to outbid round eyes, if they want. |
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Posted: 9/6/2011 2:32:36 PM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
Wow those weapons are in really good shape, its sad present generations can't bring stuff back for their future grand kids  The sword is semi-sharp. I'm sure my dad and uncle used it for hacking things up when they were little kids. I'm tempted to sharpen it, but afraid to mess it up. The rifle is very shootable, and I've shot it myself. I don't think it was the late war production garbage. The trigger is remarkable good. |
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Posted: 9/6/2011 2:38:31 PM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Wow those weapons are in really good shape, its sad present generations can't bring stuff back for their future grand kids The sword is semi-sharp. I'm sure my dad and uncle used it for hacking things up when they were little kids. I'm tempted to sharpen it, but afraid to mess it up. The rifle is very shootable, and I've shot it myself. I don't think it was the late war production garbage. The trigger is remarkable good. If I remember correctly, the link I just posted has info for decoding the arsenal markings and establishing a date of production. Apparently the "last ditch" guns are obvious from their lack of quality, and are dangerous to shoot with modern powder. |
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Posted: 9/6/2011 2:39:05 PM EDT
[#6]
Quoted: Quoted: Too bad the mum on the rifle was ground off, meaning it is a surrendered rifle and not a battlefield capture.  Are there any Chrysanthemum markings on the sword? I don't know if a sword would have this, as anything with the emperor's seal (the mum) was considered his property. EDIT: WhirlyGirl45 beat me too the mum commentary, but I do have a Type 99 with an intact mum - early production - not a last ditch rifle. I'm not sure what the difference between "surrendered" and "battlefield capture" are, but he took them off of a dead guy on Iwo Jima, and it was certainly on a battlefield. I don't know if he killed the man himself or not. Lowlands thoughts mirror what I understand. No battlefield pickup should have a ground mum, especially at Iwo Jima time. The mums were ordered ground to avoid the symbolic dishonor of the symbol of the Emperor falling into 'enemy' hands. This order was issued late in the war. I'm not sure if it was done before hopeless battles, or done before weapons turn after the official surrender. No Iwo Jima pickup rifle should be void of the mum. Not to interfere with family history, but the bringback paperwork is November of '45. That's plenty of time for him to acquire one after August. He indeed could have picked up a rifle on Iwo Jima, but he may have traded it or lost it in the chaos. Most combat troops didn't have the capacity to lug around a 'capture' until the end of their service. Pistols were much easier. That one could easily be a post hostility purchased or bartered for replacement. It's never easy to tell someone that something's wrong, but you should be aware that to average collectors, there is a problem with that specific rifle and the family history. I'm not a hard core Japanese collector, but know a little bit about milsurps. Perhaps they did grind them early on as part of preparations for suicidal battles, but it's unlikely. Either way, you should know that an average collectors will be wary of the story based on a ground mum. Hopefully a Japanese rifle expert will chime in! NOTHING about this potential problem reduces the confirmed provenance of these items starting in Nov of '45, nor should you feel duped if it's true. For every 1 combat soldier, there were 18 support personnel. This made trophies fantastic trading material for other needed items. |
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Posted: 9/6/2011 2:40:22 PM EDT
[#7]
I just talked to my dad, and you're right. The sword he picked up on Iwo Jima. Maybe the bayonet too. The rifle, he probably got in Japan, during the time he spent there during the occupation. I think he tried to sneak out a Nambu pistol as well, but that was confiscated. Grandpa died in 1982, so he's not around to ask. |
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Posted: 9/6/2011 2:41:23 PM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:
Thank you for sharing Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile 
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Posted: 9/6/2011 2:42:29 PM EDT
[#9]
Nice post, thanks for sharing.
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Posted: 9/6/2011 2:48:39 PM EDT
[#10]
Beautiful. I wish I had a chance to see those in person.
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Posted: 9/6/2011 2:48:54 PM EDT
[#11]
Quoted:
I just talked to my dad, and you're right. The sword he picked up on Iwo Jima. Maybe the bayonet too. The rifle, he probably got in Japan, during the time he spent there during the occupation. I think he tried to sneak out a Nambu pistol as well, but that was confiscated. Grandpa died in 1982, so he's not around to ask. It is still an excellent piece of history, no doubt. The one I have with the mum has no history behind it, and I'd instantly trade it to have a gun that gives me the same personal meaning yours gives you - mum or no mum. |
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Posted: 9/6/2011 2:53:18 PM EDT
[#12]
Quoted: I will be running some Wounded Warrior Project hunts on my farm this fall, so the area coordinator came out to my house today. She was in the Marines, so I decided to get my grandfather's war trophies from Iwo Jima, to show her, and the eventual participants of the hunts. I also took the opportunity to take a few pictures of them. My grandfather landed on the second day of the invasion, with the 27th Replacement Regiment. From there, he was placed in the E company of the 2nd Battalion, 28th Marines, Fifth Marine Division. He was in the same company as the flag raisers. He knew the ones that lived long enough for him to get to know them. Below are some of his trophies, along with the letter that authorized him to take them home. A 7.7mm Arisaka rifle, the bayonet and scabbard and an NCO's sword: http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa144/sw625man/GrandpasWarTrophies036.jpg Close-ups of the bayonet: http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa144/sw625man/GrandpasWarTrophies042.jpg http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa144/sw625man/GrandpasWarTrophies043.jpg Close-ups of the sword and markings under the grip: http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa144/sw625man/GrandpasWarTrophies039.jpg http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa144/sw625man/GrandpasWarTrophies040.jpg http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa144/sw625man/GrandpasWarTrophies041.jpg http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa144/sw625man/GrandpasWarTrophies047.jpg http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa144/sw625man/GrandpasWarTrophies050.jpg http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa144/sw625man/GrandpasWarTrophies049.jpg Ownership papers: http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa144/sw625man/GrandpasWarTrophiesPapers.jpg Close-ups of the rifle: http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa144/sw625man/GrandpasWarTrophies045.jpg http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa144/sw625man/GrandpasWarTrophies046.jpg My grandfather with some of the men he served with. He's the second from the left, holding the flag. All of his buddies signed the flag and he brought it home, but it disappeared sometime over the years: http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa144/sw625man/PPP.jpg I also have an Arisaka 7.7 and bayonet. Buy some ammo for it! They are fun as shit to shoot! |
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Posted: 9/6/2011 2:54:03 PM EDT
[#13]
Quoted:
Quoted:
I just talked to my dad, and you're right. The sword he picked up on Iwo Jima. Maybe the bayonet too. The rifle, he probably got in Japan, during the time he spent there during the occupation. I think he tried to sneak out a Nambu pistol as well, but that was confiscated. Grandpa died in 1982, so he's not around to ask. It is still an excellent piece of history, no doubt. The one I have with the mum has no history behind it, and I'd instantly trade it to have a gun that gives me the same personal meaning yours gives you - mum or no mum. My grandfather wasn't much of a "talker" about the war, and died relatively young (at 62), before I was old enough to start asking questions. Too bad, because I would have pestered him forever for stories. One interesting anecdote: Some time in the 50's, my dad was watching a WW2 movie on TV, while Grandpa was asleep on the couch. In the movie, a Jap takes a grenade and whacks it on his helmet, making a very distinctive sound. They did this because the fuses were not reliable, and this helped to make them work or something. In his sleep, my grandfather heard the noise, and dove off the couch, under the dining room table, smacking his head and waking him up in the process. |
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Posted: 9/6/2011 2:59:53 PM EDT
[#14]
Quoted:
Quoted:
I will be running some Wounded Warrior Project hunts on my farm this fall, so the area coordinator came out to my house today. She was in the Marines, so I decided to get my grandfather's war trophies from Iwo Jima, to show her, and the eventual participants of the hunts. I also took the opportunity to take a few pictures of them. My grandfather landed on the second day of the invasion, with the 27th Replacement Regiment. From there, he was placed in the E company of the 2nd Battalion, 28th Marines, Fifth Marine Division. He was in the same company as the flag raisers. He knew the ones that lived long enough for him to get to know them. Below are some of his trophies, along with the letter that authorized him to take them home. A 7.7mm Arisaka rifle, the bayonet and scabbard and an NCO's sword: http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa144/sw625man/GrandpasWarTrophies036.jpg Close-ups of the bayonet: http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa144/sw625man/GrandpasWarTrophies042.jpg http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa144/sw625man/GrandpasWarTrophies043.jpg Close-ups of the sword and markings under the grip: http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa144/sw625man/GrandpasWarTrophies039.jpg http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa144/sw625man/GrandpasWarTrophies040.jpg http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa144/sw625man/GrandpasWarTrophies041.jpg http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa144/sw625man/GrandpasWarTrophies047.jpg http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa144/sw625man/GrandpasWarTrophies050.jpg http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa144/sw625man/GrandpasWarTrophies049.jpg Ownership papers: http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa144/sw625man/GrandpasWarTrophiesPapers.jpg Close-ups of the rifle: http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa144/sw625man/GrandpasWarTrophies045.jpg http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa144/sw625man/GrandpasWarTrophies046.jpg My grandfather with some of the men he served with. He's the second from the left, holding the flag. All of his buddies signed the flag and he brought it home, but it disappeared sometime over the years: http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa144/sw625man/PPP.jpg I also have an Arisaka 7.7 and bayonet. Buy some ammo for it! They are fun as shit to shoot! Yeah, I could use the "wings" on the rear sight, to try to shoot birds out of the air! |
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Posted: 9/6/2011 3:02:33 PM EDT
[#15]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Wow those weapons are in really good shape, its sad present generations can't bring stuff back for their future grand kids The sword is semi-sharp. I'm sure my dad and uncle used it for hacking things up when they were little kids. I'm tempted to sharpen it, but afraid to mess it up. The rifle is very shootable, and I've shot it myself. I don't think it was the late war production garbage. The trigger is remarkable good. HOLY SHIT DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SHARPEN OR POLISH THE SWORD!!!!!*!&!^^&!(&^*%$$%#$% It will ruin the value!!! Post photos of the "mei" (japanese signature) on this website: http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/viewforum.php?f=1&sid=d0baa678e045b2cbfd5574fed9a669c4 They are absolute experts and can identify the maker, and give you an approximate value. I say approx value because these are considered pieces of ART...not weapons. The blade is artwork, and is judged as such, depending on shape, maker, polish, etc. I can tell that the fittings (handle and wrappings) are Japanese ARMY standard issue...but I do not read Japanese nor do I know who made the sword...that is the key. I repeat...DO NOT REMOVE RUST OR DO ANYTIHNG TO THAT SWORD. MAYBE wipe it gently with mineral oil or clove oil to prevent any rusting. ETA: My sword and nambu pistol. Captured from the highest ranking officer on board the Tachibana Maru...a disguised hospital ship that was captured in 1945 for carrying weapons and troops. 
My sword's "mei" signature translates as Banshu Tegarayama Fujiwara Ujishige...A swordsmith that worked around the 1780s in Harema, Japan. After I get it PROFESSIONALLY restored, it will be worth around $6,000...maybe more....even in this condition with the rust it's worth around $3,000. Even with the rust, it is still VERY sharp...the blade and the point. Yours could be an arsenal production, even with the signature, but most likely it's a nice sword made by a real swordsmith, and was probably passed down for generations...like mine. |
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Posted: 9/6/2011 3:03:15 PM EDT
[#16]
These are some cool pieces of history.
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Posted: 9/6/2011 3:03:54 PM EDT
[#17]
Fantastic heirlooms, too bad the Arisaka was decrested.
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Posted: 9/6/2011 3:04:27 PM EDT
[#18]
Very cool
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Posted: 9/6/2011 3:05:11 PM EDT
[#19]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
I remember a few years back in Japan there was a movement to start "pressuring" our government to force the return of family heirloom swords that were captured during WW2. I say they can kiss our asses! Yeah, good luck with that Japan. I say it YOUR family heirloom now! Hey Japan, you want to keep your war used heirlooms, don't lose the war. |
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Posted: 9/6/2011 3:05:43 PM EDT
[#20]
Quoted:
Quoted:
I just talked to my dad, and you're right. The sword he picked up on Iwo Jima. Maybe the bayonet too. The rifle, he probably got in Japan, during the time he spent there during the occupation. I think he tried to sneak out a Nambu pistol as well, but that was confiscated. Grandpa died in 1982, so he's not around to ask. It is still an excellent piece of history, no doubt. The one I have with the mum has no history behind it, and I'd instantly trade it to have a gun that gives me the same personal meaning yours gives you - mum or no mum. I updated the original post, to reflect the probable origins of the rifle. |
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Posted: 9/6/2011 3:08:01 PM EDT
[#21]
Very nice, Hoss.
Thanks for posting. 
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Posted: 9/6/2011 3:08:44 PM EDT
[#22]
Really fucking cool. My step dad was showing me his fathers Sprinfield 1898 that he used in the Spanish-American war. Beautiful rifle. After his father brought it back they both used it as a hunting rifle for a few decades. Still in near perfect condition and functions 100%. Very well taken care of. I will try and get some pictures. I learned yesterday that one of my great uncles was a Buffalo Soldier.
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Posted: 9/6/2011 3:09:46 PM EDT
[#23]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
I remember a few years back in Japan there was a movement to start "pressuring" our government to force the return of family heirloom swords that were captured during WW2. I say they can kiss our asses! Yeah, good luck with that Japan. I say it YOUR family heirloom now! Hey Japan, you want to keep your war used heirlooms, don't lose the war. The Stephen Hunter book, The 47th Samurai had this as part of the theme. Bob Lee Swagger's dad brought back a sword that was very valuable. Bob Lee goes to Japan with the sword to return it to the family. People start dying in rapid fashion, as often happens when they get involved Swagger. |
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Posted: 9/6/2011 3:13:19 PM EDT
[#24]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
I just talked to my dad, and you're right. The sword he picked up on Iwo Jima. Maybe the bayonet too. The rifle, he probably got in Japan, during the time he spent there during the occupation. I think he tried to sneak out a Nambu pistol as well, but that was confiscated. Grandpa died in 1982, so he's not around to ask. It is still an excellent piece of history, no doubt. The one I have with the mum has no history behind it, and I'd instantly trade it to have a gun that gives me the same personal meaning yours gives you - mum or no mum. I updated the original post, to reflect the probable origins of the rifle. It looks like the rifle is an earlier production, based upon the egg shaped bolt handle - Those are supposed to be safe to shoot if you are inclined to do so. The last ditch guns have a round bolt handle. |
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Posted: 9/6/2011 3:14:10 PM EDT
[#25]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Wow those weapons are in really good shape, its sad present generations can't bring stuff back for their future grand kids The sword is semi-sharp. I'm sure my dad and uncle used it for hacking things up when they were little kids. I'm tempted to sharpen it, but afraid to mess it up. The rifle is very shootable, and I've shot it myself. I don't think it was the late war production garbage. The trigger is remarkable good. HOLY SHIT DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SHARPEN OR POLISH THE SWORD!!!!!*!&!^^&!(&^*%$$%#$% It will ruin the value!!! Post photos of the "mei" (japanese signature) on this website: http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/viewforum.php?f=1&sid=d0baa678e045b2cbfd5574fed9a669c4 They are absolute experts and can identify the maker, and give you an approximate value. I say approx value because these are considered pieces of ART...not weapons. The blade is artwork, and is judged as such, depending on shape, maker, polish, etc. I can tell that the fittings (handle and wrappings) are Japanese ARMY standard issue...but I do not read Japanese nor do I know who made the sword...that is the key. I repeat...DO NOT REMOVE RUST OR DO ANYTIHNG TO THAT SWORD. MAYBE wipe it gently with mineral oil or clove oil to prevent any rusting. ETA: My sword and nambu pistol. Captured from the highest ranking officer on board the Tachibana Maru...a disguised hospital ship that was captured in 1945 for carrying weapons and troops. http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/davepont3/_DSC0045-1.jpg http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/davepont3/_DSC0058ab-1.jpg http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/davepont3/_DSC0049a-1.jpg My sword's "mei" signature translates as Banshu Tegarayama Fujiwara Ujishige...A swordsmith that worked around the 1780s in Harema, Japan. After I get it PROFESSIONALLY restored, it will be worth around $6,000...maybe more....even in this condition with the rust it's worth around $3,000. Yours could be an arsenal production, even with the signature, but most likely it's a nice sword made by a real swordsmith, and was probably passed down for generations...like mine. Thanks for the info. I'll post over there when I get a chance! |
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Posted: 9/6/2011 3:14:52 PM EDT
[#26]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Wow those weapons are in really good shape, its sad present generations can't bring stuff back for their future grand kids The sword is semi-sharp. I'm sure my dad and uncle used it for hacking things up when they were little kids. I'm tempted to sharpen it, but afraid to mess it up. The rifle is very shootable, and I've shot it myself. I don't think it was the late war production garbage. The trigger is remarkable good. HOLY SHIT DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SHARPEN OR POLISH THE SWORD!!!!!*!&!^^&!(&^*%$$%#$% It will ruin the value!!! Post photos of the "mei" (japanese signature) on this website: http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/viewforum.php?f=1&sid=d0baa678e045b2cbfd5574fed9a669c4 They are absolute experts and can identify the maker, and give you an approximate value. I say approx value because these are considered pieces of ART...not weapons. The blade is artwork, and is judged as such, depending on shape, maker, polish, etc. I can tell that the fittings (handle and wrappings) are Japanese ARMY standard issue...but I do not read Japanese nor do I know who made the sword...that is the key. I repeat...DO NOT REMOVE RUST OR DO ANYTIHNG TO THAT SWORD. MAYBE wipe it gently with mineral oil or clove oil to prevent any rusting. ETA: My sword and nambu pistol. Captured from the highest ranking officer on board the Tachibana Maru...a disguised hospital ship that was captured in 1945 for carrying weapons and troops. http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/davepont3/_DSC0045-1.jpg http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/davepont3/_DSC0058ab-1.jpg http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/davepont3/_DSC0049a-1.jpg My sword's "mei" signature translates as Banshu Tegarayama Fujiwara Ujishige...A swordsmith that worked around the 1780s in Harema, Japan. After I get it PROFESSIONALLY restored, it will be worth around $6,000...maybe more....even in this condition with the rust it's worth around $3,000. Yours could be an arsenal production, even with the signature, but most likely it's a nice sword made by a real swordsmith, and was probably passed down for generations...like mine. Thanks for the info. I'll post over there when I get a chance! Awesome! Keep us posted! The sword could be worth thousands and thousands. And more thousands. |
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Posted: 9/6/2011 3:17:32 PM EDT
[#27]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Wow those weapons are in really good shape, its sad present generations can't bring stuff back for their future grand kids The sword is semi-sharp. I'm sure my dad and uncle used it for hacking things up when they were little kids. I'm tempted to sharpen it, but afraid to mess it up. The rifle is very shootable, and I've shot it myself. I don't think it was the late war production garbage. The trigger is remarkable good. HOLY SHIT DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SHARPEN OR POLISH THE SWORD!!!!!*!&!^^&!(&^*%$$%#$% It will ruin the value!!! Post photos of the "mei" (japanese signature) on this website: http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/viewforum.php?f=1&sid=d0baa678e045b2cbfd5574fed9a669c4 They are absolute experts and can identify the maker, and give you an approximate value. I say approx value because these are considered pieces of ART...not weapons. The blade is artwork, and is judged as such, depending on shape, maker, polish, etc. I can tell that the fittings (handle and wrappings) are Japanese ARMY standard issue...but I do not read Japanese nor do I know who made the sword...that is the key. I repeat...DO NOT REMOVE RUST OR DO ANYTIHNG TO THAT SWORD. MAYBE wipe it gently with mineral oil or clove oil to prevent any rusting. ETA: My sword and nambu pistol. Captured from the highest ranking officer on board the Tachibana Maru...a disguised hospital ship that was captured in 1945 for carrying weapons and troops. http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/davepont3/_DSC0045-1.jpg http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/davepont3/_DSC0058ab-1.jpg http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/davepont3/_DSC0049a-1.jpg My sword's "mei" signature translates as Banshu Tegarayama Fujiwara Ujishige...A swordsmith that worked around the 1780s in Harema, Japan. After I get it PROFESSIONALLY restored, it will be worth around $6,000...maybe more....even in this condition with the rust it's worth around $3,000. Yours could be an arsenal production, even with the signature, but most likely it's a nice sword made by a real swordsmith, and was probably passed down for generations...like mine. Thanks for the info. I'll post over there when I get a chance! Awesome! Keep us posted! The sword could be worth thousands and thousands. And more thousands. I'm guessing probably not. It looks exactly like another one I just saw the other day, and it's owner told me it was a factory made, production sword. Doesn't matter much though, because it'll never be sold. |
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Posted: 9/6/2011 3:22:31 PM EDT
[#28]
awesome pics...thanks for the info and the pics
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Posted: 9/6/2011 3:31:55 PM EDT
[#29]
Damn but I love these threads.
Wel done, Sir! |
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Posted: 9/6/2011 3:35:12 PM EDT
[#30]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
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Wow those weapons are in really good shape, its sad present generations can't bring stuff back for their future grand kids The sword is semi-sharp. I'm sure my dad and uncle used it for hacking things up when they were little kids. I'm tempted to sharpen it, but afraid to mess it up. The rifle is very shootable, and I've shot it myself. I don't think it was the late war production garbage. The trigger is remarkable good. HOLY SHIT DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SHARPEN OR POLISH THE SWORD!!!!!*!&!^^&!(&^*%$$%#$% It will ruin the value!!! Post photos of the "mei" (japanese signature) on this website: http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/viewforum.php?f=1&sid=d0baa678e045b2cbfd5574fed9a669c4 They are absolute experts and can identify the maker, and give you an approximate value. I say approx value because these are considered pieces of ART...not weapons. The blade is artwork, and is judged as such, depending on shape, maker, polish, etc. I can tell that the fittings (handle and wrappings) are Japanese ARMY standard issue...but I do not read Japanese nor do I know who made the sword...that is the key. I repeat...DO NOT REMOVE RUST OR DO ANYTIHNG TO THAT SWORD. MAYBE wipe it gently with mineral oil or clove oil to prevent any rusting. ETA: My sword and nambu pistol. Captured from the highest ranking officer on board the Tachibana Maru...a disguised hospital ship that was captured in 1945 for carrying weapons and troops. http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/davepont3/_DSC0045-1.jpg http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/davepont3/_DSC0058ab-1.jpg http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab336/davepont3/_DSC0049a-1.jpg My sword's "mei" signature translates as Banshu Tegarayama Fujiwara Ujishige...A swordsmith that worked around the 1780s in Harema, Japan. After I get it PROFESSIONALLY restored, it will be worth around $6,000...maybe more....even in this condition with the rust it's worth around $3,000. Yours could be an arsenal production, even with the signature, but most likely it's a nice sword made by a real swordsmith, and was probably passed down for generations...like mine. Thanks for the info. I'll post over there when I get a chance! Awesome! Keep us posted! The sword could be worth thousands and thousands. And more thousands. I'm guessing probably not. It looks exactly like another one I just saw the other day, and it's owner told me it was a factory made, production sword. Doesn't matter much though, because it'll never be sold. That means nothing. Most of the swords had the same EXACT look...same handles/fittings, same looking blade etc. The japanese signature, or "mei" is what matters. It could be made by an expert swordsmith from japan and worth tons. Trust me...having the same handle as another sword means NOTHING. You really need to get the guys on that website to look at it...NOW. Haha. |
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Posted: 9/6/2011 3:37:03 PM EDT
[#31]
Tag for the sword experts. My dads dad has a couple bayonets, and swords, and a flag along with a few other goodies.
He was on Tarawa, Saipan and a couple other islands. |
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Posted: 9/6/2011 3:41:40 PM EDT
[#32]
Quoted:
Tag for the sword experts. My dads dad has a couple bayonets, and swords, and a flag along with a few other goodies. He was on Tarawa, Saipan and a couple other islands. PSA for anyone with a captured Japanese sword...Especially if it is signed under the handle... Post photos on this site: http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/viewforum.php?f=1&sid=d0baa678e045b2cbfd5574fed9a669c4 THEY are true experts...there are a few collectors and semi experts on arfcom...but the guys on the site above read Japanese, and are absolute experts on every swordsmith in the past 600 years...and they have books that cost thousands of dollars each just for reference and info on swordmakers and the characteristics of their unique swords...all for identification. You could have a museum quality sword. |
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Posted: 9/6/2011 3:45:32 PM EDT
[#33]
Incredible stuff. Thanks for sharing!
Hats off to you and to your grandfather. |
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Posted: 9/6/2011 3:46:47 PM EDT
[#34]
My dad brought home a Browning Hipower from europe. All I brought home from Vietnam was a rusty MN44.
Your stuff is more interesting. |
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Posted: 9/6/2011 3:54:04 PM EDT
[#35]
Chiming in on the sword...listen to what has been told to you already about it. The information given is GOOD information.
A person who is not a sword appreciator would not be able to tell the differences between hundreds of swords that are similar in shape, size, and style, but someone who does apppreciate them would find them to be as distinctive as fingerprints. That it is signed indicates the smith considered it to be work worthy of his signature. A sword he was proud of. Very few mass produced swords are signed. Get it appraised professionally. If it appraises well, have it professionally restored and polished. And receive instruction in its proper care and maintenance. Do nothing more to it than lightly oil it. Don't try to remove even loose rust. That is to be left to people who have training in that field. What might its value be? Maybe under 100 dollars. Maybe over 100,000 dollars. No way to know without a good appraisal at least. If it's a particularly interesting blade, it may be recommended for a polish and then submittal for shinsa (judging) and with just a bit of luck, it may receive Hozon ranking by the NBTHK, (Hozon meaning, worthy of preservation) or better yet, Tokubetsu Hozon. (Especially worthy of preservation). It would be phenomenally fortunate if it were to be ranked even HIGHER. Don't assume it's worth little. You MIGHT be incredibly mistaken. And if it IS a valuable blade, it is a crime to not ensure that it is kept in a state of proper preservation. Many Japanese swords are over 500 years old, and never were their blades permitted to rust in all those 5 centuries until the swords were taken home by souvenir hunting but sword-ignorant GIs who didn't generally have the faintest clue as to what they'd just taken and were going to let rust in benign neglect. CJ |
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Posted: 9/6/2011 4:01:54 PM EDT
[#36]
Quoted: Quoted: Tag for when one of the members gives more info about the sword. Thanks for posting the pics, may I ask where you are located in Ohio? Near Kent. Holy crap Go get me 6 Teriyaki Chicken Pitas and 6 Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pitas from Europe Gyro Pizza on Depeyster St! Also really nice parts of history your grandfather gave you. |
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Posted: 9/6/2011 4:59:37 PM EDT
[#37]
it really does look like a machined blade though. the tang has machine marks and there's no hamon on the blade but with the capture papers and the fact this belonged to a marine who fought on iwo jima make it more valuable than a regular nco blade. very nice family heirloom, i'm sure the marines will enjoy it!
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Posted: 9/6/2011 5:17:08 PM EDT
[#38]
Quoted:
it really does look like a machined blade though. the tang has machine marks and there's no hamon on the blade but with the capture papers and the fact this belonged to a marine who fought on iwo jima make it more valuable than a regular nco blade. very nice family heirloom, i'm sure the marines will enjoy it! Yep, that's what I figured. I'm going onto that sword forum to see what the experts have to say though, just for grins. |
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Posted: 9/6/2011 5:34:12 PM EDT
[#39]
My great uncle landed on Iwo Jima also. Does not talk much about it at all until recently but his memory is failing now.
His son told me he was in the 5th Marine Division but he was in the 26th Battalion. He was injured on the fifth day. (D+4?) His name is Milan Sharik and he just turned 92. 
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Posted: 9/6/2011 5:41:47 PM EDT
[#40]
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Posted: 9/6/2011 5:43:20 PM EDT
[#41]
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Posted: 9/6/2011 5:49:38 PM EDT
[#42]
Quoted:
My great uncle landed on Iwo Jima also. Does not talk much about it at all until recently but his memory is failing now. His son told me he was in the 5th Marine Division but he was in the 26th Battalion. He was injured on the fifth day. (D+4?) His name is Milan Sharik and he just turned 92. That's awesome that he is still around. Sounds like he and my Grandpa walked around on some of the same God-forsaken beaches. |
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Posted: 9/6/2011 6:02:01 PM EDT
[#43]
Very cool stuff. My Pawpaw was in the Navy and was at Iwo Jima aboard the USS Napa. He has some crazy stories about the night they were rammed off Iwo...he wouldn't tell us everything until just the last few years.
My Grampa was at Angaur and Peleliu.   He brought an Arisaka home.     I also have some of the 81st Wildcat's picture supplements, pamphlets, etc. If I might, I would just ask everyone with heirlooms like the ones in this thread to make it a high priority that everything you have be preserved as well as possible for future generations. You can't reverse decades of souvenirs and paperwork being improperly stored, but you can minimize any future deterioration. If I might suggest two things (and I have no affiliation with anyone selling these things): Renaissance Wax is great for protecting all sorts of stuff including guns, if you are not planning on firing them. For myself, I have fired the above Arisaka but it has such great familial historical value to me (and 7.7 mm ammo is a bit pricey) that I'm disinclined to fire it in the future. That rifle and an old family revolver are not going to be fired, so I have a coat of the wax on them to protect them. For documents, Atlantic Protective Pouches makes a great product. I have all my Grampa's documents stored in individual pouches from them. They look great. |
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Posted: 9/6/2011 6:09:18 PM EDT
[#44]
Quoted:
For documents, Atlantic Protective Pouches makes a great product. I have all my Grampa's documents stored in individual pouches from them. They look great. Yep, I was planning on doing something with the document. It's literally been in the same envelope since the 40's, folded. ETA: Nice rifle. That sucker looks brand new. The one we have looks like it had some hard use. |
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Posted: 9/6/2011 6:18:14 PM EDT
[#45]
Quoted: Quoted: For documents, Atlantic Protective Pouches makes a great product. I have all my Grampa's documents stored in individual pouches from them. They look great. Yep, I was planning on doing something with the document. It's literally been in the same envelope since the 40's, folded. ETA: Nice rifle. That sucker looks brand new. The one we have looks like it had some hard use. Same with my Grampa's documents - some of his discharge stuff was still in the official envelope (which is a cool little piece of history in and of itself, see below). That capture paper I posted up has actually been torn in two - I pieced it together carefully in the pouch. As an ironic testament to how my family operates (and apparently has been operating for 60+ years) exactly counter to the rest of the world, I also have the capture paperwork on a Japanese aviator's suit that Grampa apparently brought back; but nobody has any recollection of ever seeing the suit. Aren't you supposed to have the souvenir but not the documentation?!  The rifle is pretty nice - the rifle couldn't be kept in the house, so it was locked away in a great-uncle's attic (fortunately well protected, somehow) for decades (that included the stint in the family of one of my erstwhile uncles, who, before he zipped out of my aunt's life, bubba-ized at least one other of Grampa's guns).  |
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Posted: 9/6/2011 8:12:51 PM EDT
[#46]
That Arisaka should be good to go if you ever want to shoot it. As others have said, it doesn't appear to be a "last ditch" rifle. I got one at a gunshow with the 'mum ground off, and hand loaded some rounds for it. I don't have the links but I recall that post war testing showed the Arisaka action to be stronger than a Mauser or Mosin-Nagant.
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Posted: 9/6/2011 8:32:24 PM EDT
[#47]
Quoted: it really does look like a machined blade though. the tang has machine marks and there's no hamon on the blade but with the capture papers and the fact this belonged to a marine who fought on iwo jima make it more valuable than a regular nco blade. very nice family heirloom, i'm sure the marines will enjoy it! I see no machine marks. I see FILE marks on the nakago, and very little rust. Little rust implies a young blade, which COULD be consistent with either unusual care over the blade's life or it could indicate that it really is a young blade, possibly made during WWII, which by itself would be interesting as it's clearly signed. Signed blades made for military use during WWII are fairly rare. And, yes, it has a hamon. Sugaha form (straight), about 1/3 of the way up the side. CJ |
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Posted: 9/6/2011 8:36:15 PM EDT
[#48]
Super cool thanks for sharing.
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Posted: 9/6/2011 8:46:48 PM EDT
[#49]
Very interesting. Thanks for sharing.
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Posted: 9/6/2011 8:56:21 PM EDT
[#50]
If it was already mentioned, the disregard please.
The Arisaka has a solid, not patched stock. I thought that those were uncommon since the rifle wouldn't fit intact into a duffle bag. I don't know if they are rare or not. Maybe less rare than a non-ground chrysanthemum. Still, a non-cut stock is worth something in itself even if the action has had the Chrysanthemum ground off. I could be off base here, but I'd like to know how far off I am... |
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