Stegel

It looks like the Tsuka ito was laquered over similar to the style on late war type 3 mounts. In my opinion the Sarute, (knot/tassel ring) appears to have been added later, due to the difference in finish quality to the fuchi and other fittings, also that there is no barrel nut used with it. I dont think the koshirae is that bad. If you don't mind my asking, what is the asking price for it? Ernst

With all due respect, a conversation is being had with an innocent bystander.... that being the polisher of the blade. With no knowledge or experience of the man, i believe he has done a remarkable job here. I do not see him having a fair go 'back' to all this criticism. Lets us not assume and condemn inappropriately. Observing this forum topic with more than great interest, i can see both sides of view in this matter, however, i tend to lean with cmjohnson's view. What tipped me over the barbed wire fence is that looking further, i see that Mr Bowen is an 'associate' and dare i say 'friend' of the polisher in question?? (as his picture is on the polishers web page). Perhaps your 'endorsement' by being on this page is inappropriate and not warranted, then you should retract such publicity and sponsorship in view of this topic. I would suspect you know what i'm on about here. I'm not speaking for Mr Hofnine here, but if you were MY 'friend', i'd have you sacked..... In my life i've learnt one thing, without respect, you have very little. I DO believe that with your affiliation to the polisher, you should have only stated your opinion in regards to Japanese polish/ vs / Euro Western polish and left it at THAT. One, perhaps two posts.... no more. In my eyes, it only serves to bring you undone with your vested business interests.... and i loose trust in your opinion. That being said, i personally find this message board incredibly informative and the most definitive collective knowledge base available, unfortunately, people being people, some extremely knowledgable members DO appear arrogant and 'elitist' which i feel is not in the spirit of this message board and detracts from input... especially from newbies. Anyway, i've got my goat up.... think i've said too much. As i don't know any of you, nothing is personal (unlike some posts i've read) and i've adde my 'newbie 2c worth Ernst <- My name, Country is Australia. (sorry for before Jean)

It looks like a great polish to me considering what you started with.

How cheap runagmc??? good views?? i hear you can pick up some bargains in U.S real estate at the moment. No seriously, i believe the scammer gets contacts through this forum, as i've never been approached before. Just wanting to confirm with Admin that all is well security wise, thats all. regards Ernst

Thanks Roy, i don't know if i could be bothered corresponding with him, have marked the emails as phishing scams and promptly deleted them, along with the viagra pedellers!! Lol In regards to ebay, i have bought some type 95 guntos recently but never sold anything as yet. BTW you have some great gear Roy!! Hope all goes well. Regards Ernst

Hi Admin, Just odd that i've never been solicited to buy swords before in my emails, so i was wondering if the forum is scanned regularly for viruses and trojans which could be infecting it?? I'm not accusing anyone here of such behaviour, so please don't give it to the disrespectful "new guy" for even suggesting it!! I'm new here and this is my 5th post, i have read through heaps here though. Only 1 week after joining i'm getting mails like this: I remembered the odd name from one post i was reading a few days back.... done my search here and sure enough, the name popped up with not much gloss attached to it. I think it's odd and perhaps if he is the scam artist i've read about in this forum, he may be fishing his potential targets from the NMB member database??? regards Ernst P.S please be nice.....i got feelings!

Hi, I'm new here and trying to familiarise myself with translations, so i thought i'd give it a go... I agree with the second kanji being 泰 Yasu. I'm sorry the first one is giving me a harder time. I'll keep trying.. Regards Ernst

Hello to each and everyone of you! I found this topic again and thought i should do the formal introduction procedure. Firstly my name is Ernst and i am in Australia. I have had an interest in Japanese swords since watching 'Shintaro the Samurai' back in the 60's (late 60's, so probably re-runs). My first sword was given to me as a graduation present, i'll never forget the feeling of holding a piece of history in my hands.....the mesmerising beauty of the blade.... awesome. To this day i still get excited when i come across one. Having watched this board, finding the topics interesting, members helpful, and containing such a high knowledge base,(yes i've been impressed!) i thought i would like to join and hopefully learn more. Perhaps make some friends out of a common interest that we all share. Cheers Ernst

Hi Grey, If you check pg 263 of Fuller & Gregory's "Japanese Military and Civil Swords and Dirks", you will find a whole chapter dedicated to collaboration, emergency issue, reproduction and fake swords. It goes on to list country by country occupied by Japan, mentioning that they were not only armed, but in some cases even uniformed in Japanese gear. over 100,000 in China alone..... interesting, eh? This particular type is not shown, however it states numerous type of swords were made and used by local militia's,under Japanese control. My logic dictates that they were not made by "resisting forces", as why would you impersonate your enemies sword pattern? Hence, what i originally heard about these swords still holds and appears valid until proven otherwise, not necessarily FACT as i stated, but definitely plausable. I think the still Jury is out on that one, they may be fakes.... but no hard evidence yet to classify them as that. Having said that, i still find them a mere curiosity and wouldn't bother with them personally. Cheers Ernst BTW, sorry i haven't quite worked out the quote boxes yet.... still learning :D

Hi, I have only just joined and have been reading many posts with great interest. Reading this one i had to put my 2 cents worth in, for what little its worth. I have seen these around since the late1970's, originally i thought they were real but wasn't impressed with the workmanship or quality, hence never bought one, never showed any interest in obtaining one. Perhaps as i already had my first NLF sword with original matching officers belt some years earlier, i had acquired better taste? I suppose having the item actually in front of me, spoke volumes compared to a photograph. Anyhow about 10yrs ago i was told that these were used by Chinese collaborators under control of the Japanese, that is much like in occupied Europe with the Germans. The possibly subservient natives who perform medial tasks for the occupying forces to gain favour, or better passage through difficult times. I don't know if this is FACT, it sounded good, but there is so little info on them, which you all are aware of.