Hey Guys,
When I inherited my dad's SS dagger, one of my brothers inherited the Japanese Sword. He promises to send me digital photos for me to post here.
I remember it every since I was a kid - as I do my dagger (and I am 50 now). The sheath has a slot for two small blades (one is missing). The blade is in very good shape - I can't remember if there is any stamping - I've not seen it in years now. But the grip is a beautiful white stone? (pearl?) inlay. Sadly, with a total of 4 boys horsing around with the sword for years it is not in the best condition.
I will get my brother to send me those photos and ask one of you for assistance in posting them on this forum.
Dad was stationed in Taiwan and Kimoy during the Chinese Revolution and stopped in Japan on the way there. Not exactly sure how / where he got it but it was around that time.

Thanks,

Mike

MIKE-
I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR SWORD.
BOB

Just sent Bob photos of my brother's dagger. I asked Bob to post photos on this thread. If he is unable to post them, I will ask for a volunteer to do so as I am computer - challanged!

Thanks in advance,

Mike

Bob was unable to post the photos.
Anyone else interested in helping me out with photos posting? I would be appreciative.

Posting for FullRohm...

First 4 photos are his brother Dave's sword;
next 4 photos are his brother Jeff's sword.

Dave's #2

Dave's #3

Dave's #4

And now for Brother Jeff...

Jeff's #1

Jeff's #2

Jeff #3

And Jeff's #4

Mike, I enclose a link to Samurai terminology for you: http://www.gungfu.com/cart-htm/swords_terminology_definitions.htm

The grip material is rayskin and these pieces look quite nice. Dave's tang writing is very clear in the pics and I wish I had all the books I had at one time and I could tell you what it all says. Books and the 40 Samurai gone years back.

I love Jeff's "furniture", ie: fuschi, kashira, etc. Very nice example. I am sure that someone here has the info that you need. As they say, "if you don't use it, you lose it"! I haven't used this info in perhaps 35-40 years.

Regards, lloyd

Many Thanks to Foxart for posting these photos of my brothers' inherited swords.

Thank you Lloyd for the link and comments. I will forward them on to my Jeff and Dale (not Dave).

Funny how long we've had these things either in the attic or mounted on the wall at home when we were kids and had no appreciation for them.
That includes the Full Rohm Dagger I inherited.

Regarding Dale's Sword, we have been told the signature is one of a fairly average smith from a particular province in Japan and was made in 1660!

Jeff's Sword has no writing under the grip - too bad I guess.

Thanks again and my brothers and I are grateful for any additional information about these swords any member or viewer may wish to add.

Mike

Mike, I'm just sorry that I don't have my books any longer. I LOVED to research those tang "signatures".

In the "old days", like 1964, I nor anyone that I knew had a clue as to what a Samurai really was. I got two Wakazashi for cheap and turned around and traded them off, again for cheap! Both, as I remember, had "kozuka" (utility knife) as well as either "kogai" (skewer) or "wari-bashi" split chopsticks.

It's exactly like TR daggers and swords and for that matter a lot of memorabilia. It took years and years before "Accurate" books came out on these subjects.

Hope your brothers treasure those pieces! I don't sell/trade ANYTHING now!

Lloyd

I am really appreciative of your help and information Lloyd. My brothers have a real excitement about their swords now.
I remember when I was a kid - you could pick up a Japanese Sword for next to nothing - like German Daggers I guess!

Thanks Again,

Mike

German daggers, oh yes indeed! I used to get nice Luft II, Army and SA's from "Der Alte Oberst" in La Jolla, Ca like $29.95 each in the mid 60's. I could tell you all kinds of tales about "Der Alte".

Lloyd - and any other readers, my brothers are very interested in getting an idea of the value of their swords in "as is" condition.
Anyone out there willing to give a rough idea of the value of each and what you think the future holds for the value of each?

Thanks in advance,

Mike

I appreciate the information that a couple of you guys have provided. Any other member viewing these photos who would like to comment are very welcome to do so.

Thanks,

Mike

Hello Mike.Jeff's sword has lost its grip wrapping at some point in time.If Jeff wishes to keep this piece he may wish to consider having the wrap professionally replaced.Without going into a big dissertation,The blade is the sword.The fittings remain and that is a big plus.Please forgive the comparison I give ,but I think it will convey the idea.If you had a classic car and everything was original,Would you display it without tires If the tires were not original to the car? From what I have begun to learn(By no means consider me an authority)As swords passed from hand "Family Heirlooms"or otherwise.Fittings could be changed or replaced when they wore out,or the owner fancied something new!Like clothing.The blade is the sword.If Jeff is interested,I would be happy to provide a contact who is an expert in re wrapping antique blades.He does work for a major company,and could give some professional advice.Best wishes Geoff.

Thanks Geoff - I will pass it on to my brother. By the way, I see you are from La.(That's Louisiana to you Western folks!). My family immigrated to the U.S. from Sicily through New Orleans and stayed there until dad joined the Army. I still have an Uncle in N.O. Best food in the United States - period!

Thanks Again,

Mike

Question for Bob.
Looking at this blade configuration - was this not originally a naginata?

Denny,I think you may be right!I was wondering why I kept going back and looking at this thread especially the saya.It just didn't register until you mentioned it!

A gentleman I sent photos to indicated that many of the swords were often cut down from a (I don't know the name) to a (I don't know the other name)!
It was explained to me that in perparation for some fight the family thought the shorter sword would be easier to use in close quarters fighting.

Mike

Mike I cannot comment on that opinion,but one must consider the fact that you just couldn't run down to X-mart and buy a new sword.If a sword broke or was severely damaged,they were often recycled.Why discard it if it could become shortened to become a Wakizashi? Perhaps the broken off end could be made into a Tanto or Aiakuchi.