Description:

WORLD WAR II U.S. MARINE SOUVENIR KATANA
Offered here is a Japanese sword measuring 29 in. from ‘kissaki' (‘tip') to the ‘habaki' (‘stop'), 38.5 in. overall. The tang is not signed. Per usual for ‘last-ditch swords' this blade does not bear a temper line. The grip is wrapped with a beige cloth above the white ray skin covering, a brass 'menuki', designed in the form of chrysanthemums, is inserted beneath the wrappings. The wood pin on the grip, which is used as a secondary source to secure the handle to the tang, known as the 'mekugi', has broken in half and the remnants of it lay under the brass 'menuki'. Regrettably the blade itself is in rough condition with notable pitting covering the blade. Housed in a brown leather 'saya' ‘(scabbard'), mounted with one brass suspension ring, with a 16 in. brass chain attached. The owner used the scabbard as a type of travel log writing near the tsuba the names of several locations he served in, making it the most intriguing part about this piece. The locations include: Boat Basin Camp Pendleton, San Diego, CA, Pearl Harbor, Guadalcanal, Banika, Pavuvu, Tulagi, Florida Islands, and more. Additionally, there is a fragment of a mailing label on the scabbard (shown) indicating that the sword and scabbard were simply deposited in the mail as-is when sent home by the soldier. On Aug. 7, 1942, U.S. Marines landed in the Florida Islands just north of Guadalcanal, serving as the first American troops to invade enemy territory during the war. More Marines followed shortly after, landing on Tulagi and Guadalcanal. Fighting on these islands between America and Japan which lasted until Feb. 9, 1943, was known as the Guadalcanal Campaign and codenamed Operation Watchtower. From the locations handwritten on the scabbard we surmise the owner of this sword was a U.S. Marine who participated in Operation Watchtower.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, COD (cash on delivery), Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

*SEE ADITTIONAL SHIPPING ABOVE* -Shipments are sent via FedEx and DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option. Due to complications from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we will ship with USPS Priority Mail only if the buyer submits their request to us in writing and accepts responsibility for delayed shipments. Signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

June 15, 2023 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000