✅ SOLVED Japanese sword found in the woods of VA!

[Patriot Relics]

Hey guys,

Over the holiday I broke out the detector to search a section of woods that I used to play in as a child in Virginia. After about 30 minutes, I stumbled upon an old dump site that I remembered as a kid and to my surprise pulled out a sword from about 3 inches under the top soil. Even more remarkable was an intact section of the wooden sheath. The handle has long weathered away, however there does appear to be Japanese characters on the tang. Anyone have any idea on the age/origins of this find?

 

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[NHBandit]

Excellent find. Likely someone's WWII bring back and some kid lost it in the woods. Send good clear pics and maybe a rubbing of the characters on the tang to these guys and they can ID the maker and the time period. Many WWII swords were much older swords that were repurposed for the war and have a bit of value. I had just a blade like yours made by Hidetoshi and sold it for $500 SamuraiSword.com - Fine Japanese Swords (Nihonto) For Sale; Free Evaluations Do NOT attempt to clean it !

 

[smokeythecat]

A WWII vet's souvenier would be a good bet.

 

[Patriot Relics]

NHBandit,

Was thinking along the same lines- potentially a WWII trophy.

 

[Patriot Relics]

Hey ARRC,

Unfortunately, I combed the area pretty thoroughly and did not find any additional hardware. Still in crazy how it ended up in the back woods of VA.

 

[Army of 1]

That is such a Cool find , as good as finding an antique gun , congrats ..cheers Mick

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Great find, handle can be replaced.

Posted From My $50 Tablet....

“A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.”
― James Madison
The Constitution of the United States of America

 

[Patriot Relics]

Thanks THunter,

After I figure out what is on the tang, I am thinking of having it restored. This addiction...I mean hobby...never disappoints

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Thanks THunter,

After I figure out what is on the tang, I am thinking of having it restored. This addiction...I mean hobby...never disappoints

If it was mine I would....

Posted From My $50 Tablet....

“A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.”
― James Madison
The Constitution of the United States of America

 

[Patriot Relics]

Hey guys,

Was able to identify the sword and as we all suspected- its a WWII era smith "Noshu, ju, kojima, Kanenori". He made handmade and machine made blades, and unfortunately this one is the machine variety. Thanks for all the help!

 

[ARC]

Ooops... I just saw you DID respond / acknowledge my post... AFTER I just deleted them.
:/

Tis happens... and half asleep tis morn - was reading the post you posted on other sword with a link back to this thread.
I was thinking 2 years was long enough to have posted with no response / ack... thought you ignored me.

Heh... "as you were" :P

 

[Bruce R]

Good thing you only stumbled onto the dump site and not the sword.