New Japanese swords directly from the vets

[burb1989]

Hey everyone. As promised here are some of my new items. The first sword I purchased from a ww2 vet who came in to a gun show last December. He picked this sword up during the war off of a dead body after his co killed the sword's owner. I ended up giving $500 for it which was way more than the other dealers would offer him and I got to see the all matching mummed Arisaka he picked up as well as a token of his appreciation. The second sword is a type 95 that comes with a great story. The sword was a gift from a coworker of my moms at the VA. His father was a marine in ww2 and served on the islands of Kwajalein, Roi-Namur, and Tarawa. He killed the soldier who was holding this sword when he was on Tarawa and brought it home where it sat in the attic until his son learned that I collected militaria and gave me his father's sword as a gift from one marine's son to another. I also got to see all of the other items his dad brought home, including his helmet and Kabar. Thanks for looking and all comments are welcome.

Information

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[browningautorifle]

Looks like an NCO sword and an Officer's...very nice just the same.

[burb1989]

Sorry if I forgot to mention what each sword was earlier. The first is a late war officer's sword, often misnamed as an NLF sword. The second is a type 95 machine made sword. The numbers match on the sword and sheathe so I know that increases the value some but the overall condition detracts from the value as well. Each one of these swords is special to me and I'm glad I have both of these in my collection.

[browningautorifle]

The late sword, (the NCO sword) were made on the line with the bayonets apparently, and should be marked accordingly.

[burb1989]

The late war officer's sword is signed. I had it translated and it was made by a smith named Kanekiyo in January of 1945. The NCO's serial number is legible with the sharp edge down but I can't remember which arsenal that was. Hope that helps.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Attachment 61102 I just found my first Shin Gunto. Nice workmanship. The officer swords are a bit out of my price range but perhaps a bargin will find me.
Then I can imagine it is the one in the picture being shown off by an officer on my fathers ship.

[browningautorifle]

Hope that helps.

Always interested. I just have to forget about them because I don't have the cash to sew up in swords.

[burb1989]

I used to not be able to afford a Japanese sword but nowadays I've had one heck of a streak of dumb luck. Who knows maybe this next show I'll come home with an even more special bring back from the war.