Question on WWII souvenir

[dwarven1]

I'd posted some pix of my knives in another thread and I started wondering about the knife in this picture:

The lower knife is one, I'm told, that was brought back from the Pacific after the Japanese surrender. Again, what I'm told is that this kind of knife was made in a cottage industry that sprang up to supply "genu-wine" souvenirs to GIs.

Just wondering... would there be any kind of collector interest in this?

 

[Chipperman]

The general size and shape follow the Tanto design.
The blade appears to have an inscription. It would obviously be helpful to have a translation of it.
Judging from the etching of the hilt and scabbard, I'd agree that this is probably post-war manufacture.
What is the material? It appears to be bone.

I'm sure there are plenty of collectors of this type of thing, but value would be anyone's guess without more info.

 

[dwarven1]

Yep, the material is bone. No idea what the inscription says, though.

 

[SKS Ray]

No idea what the inscription says, though.

It says Property of Mr. Kwon's Chinese Buffet.

Sorry, couldn't resist. It is a cool addition to a collection.

 

[sheriff dudley]

Hey Mill-4 That cracked me Up i needed a good Ha Ha that was to funny!!!
but your right its a nice prize, it is probably a rare piece and some collector
may flip over it if it were to be up for sale, i have a friend that collects
Jap Knives and swords and i am sure he would!! S.D,