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Post by one50 on Mar 11, 2010 12:26:32 GMT 8
Here is a teaser for your viewing pleasure. What do you think it is? I'll give you a clue...this piece your looking at is leather. It says "Corregidor island" The rest, not in the picture says "Feb 16 1945" "S/Sgt BLANK BLANK" "Co. H 503rd" I'll reveal the name later and more pictures. It is a weapon...it is a GI bringback. Any thoughts on what it may be? More next week....once I get it in my paws. I'm excited.
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Post by one50 on Mar 24, 2010 11:51:14 GMT 8
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Post by fots2 on Mar 24, 2010 12:56:09 GMT 8
That is impressive. I expect that will be at the front of your collection.
I was told that many years ago (70s or 80s), someone found a Japanese sword in a tunnel on Malinta Hill. He traded it for a case of Red Horse beer. Now workers on the island won’t sell a dog tag for less than $100 USD.
I wonder how much history disappears every year from Corregidor.
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Post by one50 on Mar 25, 2010 1:40:59 GMT 8
Here is some interesting info on the sword. It is a Type 98 Officers Gunto. The tassel color is for rank of lieutenants and captains.
This sword was brought back from a member of the 503rd "H" Co. Which we know was part of the 3rd Bn. Someone in the 3rd Bn. shot Captain Akira Itagaki.
COULD THIS BE HIS SWORD?
Your thoughts?
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Post by EXO on Mar 25, 2010 1:58:28 GMT 8
Dan,
Living between two houses, I do not have Three Winds of Death handy to see what Ben Guthrie said about the encounter.
Can you check and advise?
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Post by one50 on Mar 25, 2010 3:39:48 GMT 8
That book is currently on loan to a buddy of mine. When he's finished reading it, I'll let you know. Next week sometime.
Dan
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Post by one50 on Mar 26, 2010 10:10:38 GMT 8
After talking with Jim Mullaney (1st. Lt. "H" Co. 503rd), I asked about this event (he took very good notes) he had this to say. "The japanese capt was killed early in the mission probably the first or second day. He was not killed by "H" Company. I made no note of his death but remember we were near the opposite end of topside at that time..."Jim was good friends with Bennett Guthrie also and no mention of the sword was made. I have come across a document saying someone in "I" Co. killed the Capt. I still have hope this may be his sword, maybe Bennett traded for it I can be hopeful.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 9, 2010 8:46:20 GMT 8
Nice looking sword, if you take the peg out of the handle you will see the tang, if its hand made you should see some writing on the tang, in japanese of course! will be the makers name and year etc, also the guard and spacers below the handle should be numbered, all the same number.
Don`t touch the blade with your fingers as it will damage it, always wipe it with a soft clean cloth.
The leather is a combat covering to protect the scabbard, and to keep the handle covered.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 9, 2010 8:58:48 GMT 8
The handle also has the strapping missing, Here`s one of mine, captured in Burma Attachments:
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Post by Deleted on Apr 9, 2010 9:00:22 GMT 8
family crest on the handle Attachments:
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