WWII Japanese sword

[BackNBlackTJ]

Not really garage, more office but most of you do incredible work (the rest just do awsome work)...

I have a Japanese NCO sword taken from a soldier on the island of Corregidor by my Grandfather... Found it in his storage, story I got with it was he mailed it home from the island after they liberated the Phillipeans. I would like to display it along with my wife's Gpa's shadow box and my Gpa's shadow box and all of my personal service trinkets and photo's.

What would be the best way to mount it?

Paying respect to what it is and what it respresents, I would like to mount it, not just lean it against the side of my desk.

 

[1948]

you would want to mount it with some mounts off the wall or back of the shadow box. kinda as if you held your hands out palms up, making a U shape with your hands(cup your hands). as if you were handing it to someone. so the sword would sit inside a channel that you made, and that would be lined with felt or some sort of padding.

something like this(this is a table model) http://www.ebay.com/itm/BLACK-Hardw...d=160591531705&ps=63&clkid=110785460330737480

 

[TennesseeZ]

I agree with 1948, and will add you should be able to find many ideas and/or be able to purchase some with a google search. On another note, my Dad had 2 footlockers of souveniers "lost in transit" when he served in the Pacific Theatre. Could we have some pics of your sword please?

 

[Private Lugnutz]

As you can imagine, wall mounts go from simple to quite elaborate (with ornate backboards, etc). It sounds as if you'd like to incorporate the display into the other memorabilia as gracefully and as seamlessly as possible, so as not to overwhelm the others or call too much attention to the sword (an instinct I admire), in which case any small simple inconspicuous wall mountings will do. Wood, iron, etc.

The hilt (tsuka) is always to your right. (To the left is a sword being surrendered.) Does it have a scabbard (saya)? Displaying it inside the scabbard is best for the blade. If you'd like to display the sword and the scabbard separately, together, the sword is always displayed on top. If there is no scabbard, and you'd like to keep an edge on it, you could display the sword edge up.

Is it a katana or a sabre?

 

[5lima30]

I agree with the others displaying as you would present it to someone. That sword is certainly deserving of an exotic wood (maybe teak) display stand. That is wonderful piece of history that can passed on in your family!

 

[acer66]

If I would build something, I think I would use some wood, even bamboo, which is native to the area your Grandfather got the sword at.

 

[2fat2fly]

That sword might be much older than you think it is. If it's Japanese military issue then it's 1920's to 1940's (probably). If it's one that has been passed down through that soldier's family it might be a couple hundred years old. That could possibly be a very valuable piece of Japanese history.

 

[99SVT]

Not really garage, more office but most of you do incredible work (the rest just do awsome work)...

I have a Japanese NCO sword taken from a soldier on the island of Corregidor by my Grandfather... Found it in his storage, story I got with it was he mailed it home from the island after they liberated the Phillipeans. I would like to display it along with my wife's Gpa's shadow box and my Gpa's shadow box and all of my personal service trinkets and photo's.

What would be the best way to mount it?

Paying respect to what it is and what it respresents, I would like to mount it, not just lean it against the side of my desk.

That is amazing!!

My Grandfather was on Corregidor also, and he brought home a sword also. He gave it to me years ago. I wonder if they knew each other. My grandfather was a paratrooper. He'll be 93 this year.

 

[Student of steel]

Do you have any pics with your grandad and the sword? That would be nice to attach to the box as well. I also recommend writing as much as you know about the sword and attaching it the back of your box. Also helps keep its provenance in case it gets separated from you. Show some pics when your done.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I could be wrong, but as far as I know, only the officers awarded positions by birthright carried the old custom guntos.

All of the NCO guntos in the Imperial Army were made in the Tokyo or Nagoya Atsuta or Seki arsenals using standardized parts. There were two models: 32 and 95. The 32's were being made for the Army since 1890. The 95's since 1935. The cavalry swords were called ko, the others otsu. Only very senior NCO's - E8 and above by our rank system - got them. The early hilts were made of copper or aluminum, late war - as the Japanese war machine ran out of money - of wood.

The NCO gunto has been well-collected and is very well-documented.

That is not to take anything away from your grandpop's sword, TJ. The NCO guntos were awesome-looking edged weapons. And, if you already know what you have there, excuse my input.

If you don't, I highly recommend you spend some time reading this site, known among collectors as being very accurate, respected and respectful:
http://www.h4.dion.ne.jp/~t-ohmura/gunto_002.htm

Congratulations and my hats off to you for displaying it.

 

[ihredo4]

You may want to put a brass plate on the display with the info as you know it of the sword. It will help your family in the future knowing what is what. I am trying to do that now while I can. ***** when you lose data about a family heirloom.

 

[Scottishross]

Would u post pics of it

 

[blue2golf]

Would u post pics of it

+1 here. I'd love to see it.

 

[jabberwoki]

I was in japan and am very into Iaido. There is a Katana museum in Tokyo that has some incredible Katanas on display. I `m sure you could google it and look at pics on how it should be done.

 

[brownbagg]

how do you know its real.

 

[Bronson]

Yes, pics please. My Dad was at Iwo Jima and later at the War Crimes trials at Chichi Jima. He brought home a sword from a VERY high ranking Japanese officer who was hanged a t Chichi Jima. At one time the Japanese govt was offering a six-figure reward for return of those swords, to return to the Family. When We lived in Salt Lake City, some scum bag burgled Us and stole it. He had NO IDEA of the history of that sword. I own that officers side-arm and holster, and His insignia. I have never seen a sword anywhere as nice as that one. Dad spoke and wrote Japanese and that is why He was at the Trials, after recovering from wounds recieved at iwo Jima.

 

[BackNBlackTJ]

That is amazing!!

My Grandfather was on Corregidor also, and he brought home a sword also. He gave it to me years ago. I wonder if they knew each other. My grandfather was a paratrooper. He'll be 93 this year.

SSgt. Michael S. Nalbandian, 503rd PRCT, 462 PFAB (not sure what company)

combat jumped onto Corregidor, wounded on the parade grounds of the old fort, but was on the far end of the island when the Japanese garrison that was hiding in a bunker inside a hill, detontated the bombs they had stock piled... killing themselves and a company of US troops that were un-aware of thier presence and had taken up positions on top of the hill.

He died January 2009 at 92.

 

[BackNBlackTJ]

 

[1948]

thank you for sharing with us. wow i just looked it up.

"On 16 February 1945, the 503rd RCT jumped on Fortress Corregidor to liberate that island from occupying Japanese forces. The assault on Corregidor was the most intense combat action in which the 503rd engaged during its existence. Braving intense fire, the paratroopers rushed forward and overcame the heavy blockhouse defenses, dropping explosives into embrasures to kill hidden Japanese gunners. For its successful capture of Corregidor, the unit was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation (US) and received its nickname, "the Rock Regiment" from it. The regimental insignia was designed by PFC Thomas M. McNeill while recuperating from malaria on Mindoro Island, following the battle of Corregidor."

 

[BackNBlackTJ]

Found a couple I'm interested in... still looking... wow! ranges from <10 bucks all the way to infinity...

personal favorite... simple but well displayed

Really nice but pricey

cheap, cheap, cheap... and looks it.

 

[Dataguy]

Interesting read, if you like novels, is "The 47th Samurai", by Stephen Hunter. It's one of his Bob Lee Swagger novels, the same character as in the movie "Shooter" (although in the books he's a Vietnam veteran, and much older).

Anyway, the novel concerns a Japanese sword acquired in combat by the protagonist's father and the unexpected ramifications of the sword's history. It goes into the history of swords used in WWII, sword polishing, and how swords can be identified by the smith markings under the hilt (for older swords).

Thanks for the pictures, that's an impressive weapon and quite a story. Good luck with your project, it's definitely a worthy one.

 

[99SVT]

SSgt. Michael S. Nalbandian, 503rd PRCT, 462 PFAB (not sure what company)

combat jumped onto Corregidor, wounded on the parade grounds of the old fort, but was on the far end of the island when the Japanese garrison that was hiding in a bunker inside a hill, detontated the bombs they had stock piled... killing themselves and a company of US troops that were un-aware of thier presence and had taken up positions on top of the hill.

He died January 2009 at 92.

My grandpa was in the 503rd also.

Thanks for the info... I will pass it on to him and see if knows him or remembers him. He is amazing, he still remembers names of people from back then. I can't remember last week.

When the Band of Brothers stuff came out, he got the book and read it. He told me that they were a bunch of p*ssies, and he does not cuss. LOL

 

[BackNBlackTJ]

My grandpa was in the 503rd also.

Thanks for the info... I will pass it on to him and see if knows him or remembers him. He is amazing, he still remembers names of people from back then. I can't remember last week.

When the Band of Brothers stuff came out, he got the book and read it. He told me that they were a bunch of p*ssies, and he does not cuss. LOL

He went by "RED"... he was 6'4" 200lb fire red hair...

 

[99SVT]

He went by "RED"... he was 6'4" 200lb fire red hair...

Thanks TJ.

The sword you have looks very similar to the one my grandfather brought back. I'll have to snap some pictures of it. I always thought that the scabbard was just badly patina'd from the years, but from looking at that one link of all the Japanese swords, some were like that, with just plain, bare metal.

 

[99SVT]

I believe what you are wanting to do is very cool, and as far as how to display it, a shadow box would be a great idea... and gives me some idea of what to do with my sword.

Here are some pics of mine:

It seems to be a Army Officers Type 98

http://www.shibuiswords.com/gunto.htm

 

[coolreed]

If it were mine to display I would build a very nice display case out of an appropriate exoctic wood with glass front and then display the Sword in the traditional maner inside the display case. That way you protect the sword from the elements and unwanted handling.

That's my 2 cents.

 

[Murphy4570]

One other thing: Do not clean it! Leave the patina on that old sword.

 

[BackNBlackTJ]

So I ended up buying a run of the mill sward display cabinet, but I'm going to put my own twist on it...

I've already replaced the bright red fabric that was in it for some OD green felt, next I'm going to etch the 503rd patch into the front glass along with his rank and name.

figured I'd better run a couple tests on the etching process before I do the cabinet, just to be sure I done mess up the final piece. So I dug up an old mirror and cut a stencil onto it. I'll etch that tonight and see if it turns out the way I hope...

 

[Outlander]

Very interesting post, wonderful pictures and great stories of more of our heros. Thanks folks.

 

[BackNBlackTJ]

First attempt... went by the instructions (mistake) also decided it was too large and over powering for the size of the box...

(60 sec. soak)

Second attempt... through the instructions away and just wingin' it, reduced the size by 50%...

(5 min. soak)

 

[James E]

That's really cool. What media do you use when you etch glass? I'm assuming you're doing that in a blast cabinet? ...Or is that chemical etching?

 

[BackNBlackTJ]

JamesE - it's chemical etching... hobby shop etching cream. The one I picked up is called "Armour etch" but there are several better brands, this is the only one I could get locally.



I'm SO glad I did a couple trial runs, I'd have been pissed if I ruined the sward case with that first attempt that didn't completely etch the glass... I've done several now and 5min soak seems to be the best. So I'll be doing the display case tomorrow...

??? Should I put the logo bottom right or bottom left of the case? I'm still debating where... is there a compelling case for either or just preference?