Grizzly Bear
Well-Known Member
I bought a WWII Katana that was an officer's sword from an antique dealer. I hope it is real because I paid $300 for it.
My question is to you experts is: Have you ever seen a WWII katana that has a brown, grooved (around the handle to enhance grip) hardwood handle with metal pegs (screws) to hold it on? The fittings are all steel/iron and the sword is heavy when compared to wall hangers. It does not have the usual handle wrapping and wooden pegs. No blood groove.
The saga was crushed so I fixed it by wrapping it with a continuous layer of twin, no over lapping of the twine; it looks fantastic. I did this so that you could still see the original saya by taking off the twine.
The blade had rust and pits with deep scratches. I completely hand polished the blade to a mirror finish and got it to easily cut paper.
If this is an authentic sword, did I ruin it by refurbishing the blade? I saw how many of the ancient swords were refurbished by the seller for the client if he wanted him to, so I thought it would be alright.
Please comment. It is important to me.
Thanks,
Grizzly Bear
My question is to you experts is: Have you ever seen a WWII katana that has a brown, grooved (around the handle to enhance grip) hardwood handle with metal pegs (screws) to hold it on? The fittings are all steel/iron and the sword is heavy when compared to wall hangers. It does not have the usual handle wrapping and wooden pegs. No blood groove.
The saga was crushed so I fixed it by wrapping it with a continuous layer of twin, no over lapping of the twine; it looks fantastic. I did this so that you could still see the original saya by taking off the twine.
The blade had rust and pits with deep scratches. I completely hand polished the blade to a mirror finish and got it to easily cut paper.
If this is an authentic sword, did I ruin it by refurbishing the blade? I saw how many of the ancient swords were refurbished by the seller for the client if he wanted him to, so I thought it would be alright.
Please comment. It is important to me.
Thanks,
Grizzly Bear