[stash247]

I have a little knowledge here, based on a lot of old research, which may be of general interest.
There were many 'factory' swords, more or less 'machine made', issued in WWII; there were also a lot of familial swords, some, 'repackaged', and many, not, in service; some would date to the 17th Century!
The latter group, the old blades, have great value, as they are long lost heirlooms, to the families from where they originated; the Japanese revere their ancestors, and a familial sword implies a noble house, one whose forbears served the Emperor, to the death.
As such, some are bringing prices, for their return, far in excess of a new car, often, more than a modest house.
The old blades are a knife maker's 'wet dream', with the temper lines, hardness, and toughness we are hard pressed to match, today.
44Mag, yes, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, and essentially started the war, in the Pacific.
But that is over, more than 50 years ago.
We, as a freedom loving nation, locked up thousands of people of Japanese descent, into prison camps, called 'Internment Centers', because we were so scared they might side with their former country; Of this, off topic, I know much, as I worked for a man, for several years, so imprisoned.
I say to the subject, first, identify the blade, as to maker, and dynasty.
If it is an old blade, publish a inquiry, as to surviving heirs; listen to what they say and ask.
If my father had died, say, in Beitut, what price might I pay to recover his remains?
The Japanese feel so, about these blades!