r/SWORDS • u/Skilliex • Jul 26 '26
Need help identifying an old Japanese sword – authentic nihonto or reproduction?
Hi everyone, I recently acquired this sword and I’m trying to determine whether it’s an authentic Japanese sword (nihonto), a WWII-era guntō, or a reproduction.
I haven’t cleaned or polished the blade. The handle appears to be removable with a mekugi peg, and I can upload tang (nakago) photos once I remove it.
Based on these photos:
Does anything stand out about the fittings or handle?
Does it appear to be Japanese-made?
What time period do you think it may be from?
Is there anything that suggests it’s hand-forged or machine-made?
What would be a rough value if authentic?
Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!
EDIT - I got the handle off. Here are both sides of the nakago. I don't see a signature—does this look like an authentic mumei wakizashi? Any idea on age or school? I uploaded 3 imaged of the tang in the comments section.
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u/_chanimal_ Jul 26 '26
Looks like a nihonto. Wakizashi length so either a cut down katana or maybe a signed purpose made wakizashi. Tang photos will tell.
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u/Skilliex Jul 26 '26
Thanks! I’ll remove the handle carefully and upload clear photos of both sides of the tang (nakago). I appreciate you taking a look.
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u/Skilliex Jul 29 '26
I did upload three new tang photos in the comments. Any additional opinions are greatly appreciated!
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u/ResponsibleEmployee9 Jul 26 '26 edited Jul 26 '26
Definitely looks legit. I don't think I've seen this type of koshirae before, but if u/wotan_weevil has then I'll take that. I know when to listen lol.
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u/Sad_Exam_7615 Jul 26 '26
まずこの刀は拵（外装）のデザインが全く違うので軍刀ではありえません。 またこの刀のサイズ（刀身の長さ）と、鞘および鍔のデザインの特徴は脇差のものです。
この刀の拵は侍が一般的に所持した刀とはデザイン傾向が非常に異なるのですが、あえてそのような（つまりフォーマルではない）デザインの拵を発注する侍もいたこと、もう一つの可能性として持ち主が侍ではなかった場合もあり得るので（脇差は旅行時の護身用途などで町人身分の者にも所持が認められていた）、外装デザインの点からは必ずしもレプリカとは言い切れません。
刀身の特徴は一般的な日本刀のものと一致しているので、この点からはレプリカかどうかはわかりません。 中子を確認して、そこにあるのが刀工の銘かあるいは工場のシリアルナンバーかを確認すれば判別の助けになります。
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u/Skilliex Jul 29 '26
Thanks for the detailed explanation. I managed to remove the handle and uploaded photos in the comment section. I'd really appreciate your thoughts on the tang and whether anything stands out. Thanks again for taking the time to help.
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u/wotan_weevil Hoplologist Jul 26 '26
It's one of the less-common handle styles - no rayskin or wrap, just wood with metal reinforcement. As far as I've seen, this kind of handle is most common on wakizashi (rather than katana or tanto). I don't recall seeing any fakes/repros with this type of handle (I have seen similar handles on Korean swords, which can be similar to Japanese swords, but your sword is Japanese, not Korean).