Brian

Except these are usually not damascus anyways, but an etched pattern.

To me it just looks like an outer layer of a thin non-ferrous sheet metal, that has been punched from behind to give a nanako type effect, soldered or applied to the center metal. Poorly done, the gaps are where the outside sheet metal didn't fill the whole tsuba.

Aside from the fake damascus pattern, it has acid etched characters on the blade. 110% Fake. Oh, and the offset machi.

Bad Chinese fake

Yeah, it's a sign up (free) forum. But that sword has pages of info about the one shown there, so may be worth the quick sign up.

Compare: https://www.wehrmach...shingunto-gift-sword

Nothing some JB Weld won't fix Yes..lots like that in Japan. When they find them, they destroy them and sell the koshirae. Lots of yari poles too, with blades that have been destroyed, saw many. Sad, but laws are laws, and dealers are afraid.

Curran, they are huge. I don't think you are viewing the true size. Click on the pic, then click it again...it opens in a new window. Full screen. But you can then click again on it, and it opens full size, which is twice the size of my screen. How big do you want it to be??

Good looking kozuka.

Patrice, Agree with you in many ways, but I'm sure you understand any social media platform representing a community has to go through the good and the bad, censoring one side only presents one side and doesn't do much good for the community. Some choose to ignore it, and not respond and then there is only one side to a story. I prefer it when people engage with the public and then we know they are approachable, and get to hear both sides. Obviously some have an issue with certain things, but if you search your name here, there are many good compliments on your shows and work and items, and people can make up their own minds. One or 2 people are always going to have an issue with a seller or person in the community, but most people will weigh up all the facts and decide for themselves. I can't comment on the above issue, but from what I have heard, I would have you work on my blades without worry. As John said, owning the mistake goes a long way to solving issues.

Shakudo is bronze colored until it is patinated. It's mainly copper with some gold. Hard to tell copper apart from brass sometimes when it's polished.

Have you considered that this isn't brass, but shakudo? I mean without any patina, that's what it looks like. It's unusual to find plain brass tsuba. I'm all for patination. I think polished brass looks less than pleasant on an antique. At the very least, I'd patina it with ammonia fumes IF it's just brass. But something tells me it isn't.

I think there is likely zero chance this is anything more than just a common, and very bad, fake. And even less chance that this is anything made for military use anywhere. The way the markings are done isn't even close to military style. I'd put money on it.

Combination of good work, and what seems to be a museum acquisition number, which would indicate it was good enough to be in a museum at some point. Valid or not...that would be the thinking by buyers. Certainly looks to be a competent piece, even before you look at the mei.

Than you Jason, and everyone who allows this site to continue to do what we do. We're not perfect, but everyone here tries their best. Appreciate the support, and all the best with your collecting.