ren

Thanks to all who replied and for the advice on this piece. The blade appears to be very good in condition, no chips or major scrapes on the surface though seemingly lacking in hada, but better than many I have had a chance to look at within this price range in the US. Still, if all are correct in that there are others out there that are authentic in manufacture and pedigree, I will keep looking. I had considered having it, or one like it, as a part-time 'practical' piece, perhaps additionally having it mounted as katana. Pricewise, it seemed more reasonable than commissioning a new shinsakuto.

Thank you for your help. The length was actually what caught me eye for this piece. There's so much variation in gunto as far as dimensions, condition, and methods used, but I'll keep my eyes open for something traditionally made.

Both google and microsoft translations seem to be failing me for anything comprehensible: http://www.e-sword.jp/sale/2010/1010_1105syousai.htm Per the subject, I am new to collecting swords of genuine Japanese manufacture. I can make out that this piece appears to be a Showato, but that the mei, unlike other examples, though hard to make out resembles this one attributed to Masatsune Amachi: http://home.earthlink.net/~ttstein/masatsun.jpg Overall, I would just like to know if this piece is genuine and a good candidate for perhaps a 'first' piece in a collection. I have untrained eyes and as yet could not detect a fake (although I've seen enough fake hamon on Chinese production swords) or things like re-tempering/blade straightening/ integrity issues on a blade. Thank you very much.