Pacific Swords Needing to be Identified

These swords were collected by my father's brother, Gen. A. M. Kuhfeld, during the War in the Pacific. One advantage of being a general is that interesting things stick to you as you pass by. These came to me in due course, and have been passed on to my nephews - who want to know more about them. As do I. The pictures on this page are thumbnails that connect to much larger JPEGs. If you can help me in identifying these, please write ellen@washuu.net .

Japanese Cavalry Saber, Type 32, 1899, serial 84368 - I'm pretty sure of what this one is, but have no idea of when and where it was made. (Obviously 1899-1945, but that doesn't narrow it down much!) The chape of the scabbard has an interesting squiggle which may or may not mean something. Overall length about 37 inches or 94 cm.

Large (Kris?) - A massive blade, somewhat wavy. Overall length about 32 inches or 80 cm.

I was told this knife was used to chop betel nut. 16-1/2 inches or 41.5 centimeters overall. The sheath/scabbard is two wood pieces, held together only by a cross-woven band near the narrow point. The dark wood of the sheath is carved out to receive the blade; the light wood is thinner, and internally flat.

Wakizashi - sword-blade 20-1/2 inches or 52.5 cm from tip to tsuba, 29 inches or 74 cm overall in scabbard. Has kozuka, 8-1/2 inches or 21 cm long overall. I had a semi-serious collector look at it for me, and he things the whole thing is several hundred years old; but it went through the war in the Pacific, and did not come out of it in good shape. The scabbard has been chipped and split, and in several areas I can see paper with writing where the lacquerwork has gone missing. (I've included a photo of some of that writing.) I suspect this one needs professional identification and care, not available on the Internet - contact information for good people in the Minneapolis - Saint Paul area of Minnesota would be appreciated.

If you can help me learn more about these, write ellen@washuu.net