Brian

You know that to find a Gendaito in those mounts is extremely rare? So much so, you can just about assume it's a Showato. That is, until proven otherwise, but I'd be surprised.

Nothing indicating cast here, and the nunome is done as it always was. Agree with those above that say nothing wrong here.

Geraint, That seller has written a script to just relist thousands of items available elsewhere in Japan it seems. They don't even do it manually anymore.

Of course it's not nanako. It's obviously raised from the back. Don't think this can be mistaken for punched-in dots. The raised motifs would be added afterwards most likely.

Ah, I see. The members who don't want to see posts headed "Ejaculating adolescent watching two copulating turtles" are self righteous hypocritical old fart assholes. I see. Who knew? Personally, I got over online porn and cheap thrills 25 years ago, but hey....we can suggest some free online porn sites if that's your thing? I can see we are too old, hypocritical and self righteous for you here. Perhaps it's time to check out some of the forums with lesser morals.

Can only tell once he receives at and we see closer pics of the blade and nakago. But many of these were non-traditionally made for Bunraku etc. You get many that are real swords and many that are display items. Does appear to be the latter.

Considering it. I'm far from a prude....very far. But really...does this encourage new members/lady collectors and youth to stay here or are we reduced to looking for a cheap thrill? Not sure exactly what discussion this is supposed to encourage. We already had one high end lady quit the forum over the typical "macho" guy stuff here. I'm asking that we consider this before we post stuff that really isn't all that constructive. Unlike the off topic pictures of huge plushy phallus's that I deleted earlier (and which no doubt led to this post), This one IS kinda antique Japanese art related and I'll leave it up as an example of Shunga for now...but really wonder about your browsing habits and motivation that keep you searching for this stuff online. If you disagree with me, happy to do an anonymous poll and see what the other members think of that?

No, this is not some test that needs to be passed. Everything that needed to be said was said. People can make up their own minds now. 3 Pages of this is enough.

Jean, I'm talking about the original post...the Chinese sword. Those are almost never damascus...they are etched to look like damascus. Clearly shown by the way the characters are etched in with the pattern. Yes...well aware of the others, having been a knife and sword collector for over 30 years.

That is likely one of the smiths that experimented with adding Western steel in his mix, maybe with more nickel in it, leading to a high contrast hada. There are a few smiths that played with that. The seller is a member here, you could always ask him. @Seiko

Genuine swords, likely false signatures. Appear to be Western restorations/polish done by the usual type of self taught restorers. You always get that dry hard look to the polish and artificially enhanced hamon. But not that unusual, and you'll have the edit your post and reupload C pics

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.

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.