Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post - Identification

trenchwarfare · 10th October 2013, 05:23 AM

[QUOTE=DaveA]Note the similarity of the hilt design to the sword shown here, identified as Japanese army officer: WWIII Japanese Military Collectibles

and here: Japanese Military Swords Scroll down to the section on "Kyu-gunto" swords and the discussion of army vs. navy backstraps. Also, the scabbard with a single ring is identical to the one in my pictures.

Is it a plum blossom or a cherry blossom?

How would a Nationalist Chinese sword end up in Korea in the 1950's, to be brought back by an American GI? What specific indicators do you see to suggest this is Nationalist Chinese vs. Japanese?

Thanks for taking a look!

Best Regards,

David[/QUOTE
The sword in the first link, is CHINESE!!! The Type 19 Kyu Gunto in the second link is similar, but not identical. Chinese swords, were copied from Japanese swords. Japan defeated China, in the 1890s. Chosen (Korea) was acquired with the defeat of Russia, in 1905. Manchuria (Manchukkuo), was annexed in 1910. Lots of Japanese influence throughout the region, for a long time. After examining many Japanese, and Chinese swords, there is a huge difference between cherry, and plum blossoms.

As to how a GI in 1950 got his hands on a Nationalist sword... The Maoist government was only two years old. Any weapon usable, was put to use. Even if only a badge of rank.

Specific indicators: Decorations on the hilt, are very crude, and lack definition. Style of the blade, and scabbard, are not typically Japanese. Plating on the scabbard and blade, are very thin, and flakey. If you study Chinese swords,, and daggers, you will find no two alike.

10th October 2013, 05:23 AM	#8
trenchwarfare Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 385	[QUOTE=DaveA]Note the similarity of the hilt design to the sword shown here, identified as Japanese army officer: WWIII Japanese Military Collectibles and here: Japanese Military Swords Scroll down to the section on "Kyu-gunto" swords and the discussion of army vs. navy backstraps. Also, the scabbard with a single ring is identical to the one in my pictures. Is it a plum blossom or a cherry blossom? How would a Nationalist Chinese sword end up in Korea in the 1950's, to be brought back by an American GI? What specific indicators do you see to suggest this is Nationalist Chinese vs. Japanese? Thanks for taking a look! Best Regards, David[/QUOTE The sword in the first link, is CHINESE!!! The Type 19 Kyu Gunto in the second link is similar, but not identical. Chinese swords, were copied from Japanese swords. Japan defeated China, in the 1890s. Chosen (Korea) was acquired with the defeat of Russia, in 1905. Manchuria (Manchukkuo), was annexed in 1910. Lots of Japanese influence throughout the region, for a long time. After examining many Japanese, and Chinese swords, there is a huge difference between cherry, and plum blossoms. As to how a GI in 1950 got his hands on a Nationalist sword... The Maoist government was only two years old. Any weapon usable, was put to use. Even if only a badge of rank. Specific indicators: Decorations on the hilt, are very crude, and lack definition. Style of the blade, and scabbard, are not typically Japanese. Plating on the scabbard and blade, are very thin, and flakey. If you study Chinese swords,, and daggers, you will find no two alike.