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We all should have alarm systems, safes bolted to the foundation, a few guns stashed around the place, and a pit-bull (you can get them cheap from the pound all day long). Helps me sleep at night. The pit bull can be rather trying of ones patience though.

I'm happy that you kept this one. It seems to be a very nice piece.

Thanks again! Nice guard, but I think the carving on the upper part is better on mine (but other aspects of the guard are better on yours to be sure). Don't tell me this is one from the group you recently sold? This one is very nice!

I like the habaki and gold plated scabbard lock latch! Thanks Hamfish, for sharing. Not as much tapering as my blade. Much better foundation/hi control. Maybe a better design too, imo. I wish the guard was better pictured. You give a man an inch... You know...????

Was only able to show it to Bob Benson and Grey Doffin, because we had a meltdown going on at home. Grey seemed to like it and Mr. Benson said to get pictures to Jim Dawson, and don't sell it. He would not say that he thought it handmade however, because the temper line is so questionable (I think). But he did state a couple times how well made it is. There will be next year my friends! I spent only 30 minutes at the show: just enough time to drop off some really good wine to some friends and leave pretty much. Pretty amazing all the excellent examples and inexpensive mumei items that seemed high quality for the prices too! John Twienham (please help me w his last name) said the suguha was jumping right out of the thing, btw. He also stated he got himself into trouble so doesn't (maybe isn't allowed to???) post anymore. I said that was too bad, with sadness. He is a passionate character for sure, and comes bearing advice lubrication, if you understand.

Very nice find!

Police liutenant's sword according to THE book. Thanks Hamfish! This sun emblem is found on police superintendant's (highest level police position listed) and also lieutenants swords, while the 1/2 decorated backstrap in this particular style of 3 blossoms/vines/leaves indicates lieutenant grade. It seems that Jim Dawson getting access to translated copy of the 1906 Japanese military regulations (complete with strict specification drawings of exactly what the guards and handles should look like) was a breakthrough for helping us figure out what military/imperial swords we have. Of course all spec drawings are really nicely reproduced in Dawson's book. My backstrap matches the drawing well. Of the police blades pictured in his book, many have plated brass guards while mine is nicer copper with a decently heavy (as in roll plated maybe) gold plate. I am almost positive that Mr. Dawson would have loved to see/photo my blade given the chance.

Point taken Stephen. This is not my area of expertise (if I find an area that would be nice)! However, Bruce seems like a nice fellow, I'm game!

When it comes to occupation blades, seems hard to draw many solid conclusions. Chinese fakes aren't worth anything IMO, but an occupation blade may look really similar to a fake, but it would likely be more useful as a weapon (better raw materials and processing maybe, designed for fighting not duping rich folks). With the last picture though (showing habaki and Saya) my guess is that Bruce is on to it, and this isn't fake. The blurry "cutting edge" pic may even show signs of differential hardening of some sort.

cracked Jim Dawson's book and now thinking I should read more???? Or tone down certain recreational activities.????

Guessing that mid 19th, to mid 20th century Japanese sword history has some unearthing yet to be done. Mass cultural flux and colonialism efforts may have been a big factor??? There are things done to not be proud of...and when that happens the history books become wanting. Edit: got Jim Dawson's book today and it's causing me sword overload. Lots of good information there!

Very funny thread, thanks for the laugh!

Well put Joe! Maybe just being too sensitive, I guess. Don't wanna discourage new posters, you know.

Thanks for the correction folks. I still think that if we deal in absolutes than we may miss out on those rare items, or even be party to disrespecting well made blades at times. Best to keep circumspect and judge the blade on its merits, rather than diregard it based on the nakago alone (the stamp I mean).

No file marks so Koto ???? Seriously, if the (sorry about that Brian--IF the coming pictures that Bruce asked for show it) blade is Damascus I'm calling Chinese fake. Occupation sword wouldn't get the kanji right?

Showa stamp may not ALWAYS mean non-traditional. Star stamp (a Showa stamp) signifies 100% traditional to most collectors. We should be careful to not devalue another's sword, or through our ignorance a good blade may be mistreated. Look at the mei, someone spent some time there. Anyway, just because Japanese history is hazy around this time, doesn't mean we should think less of a finely made blade because it got stamped, which this may well be. we simply can't see enough from pictures to tell, especially while the thing is rusty.

Looks like a very active and well hardened hamon. Don't see the flaws you mention. habaki is extra nice so indicative of a decent blade too. I dare say this is a really nice blade (given the pictures aren't good enough to see the potential flaws like lack of a boshi even). I am nowhere near knowledgable in schools/smiths, but can venture a GUESS that it was made 1500-1700 by shape and nakago patina/yasurime remaining.

Thank you Malcolm, So placing this charachter on the side of a koshirae may have been a sort of good luck charm. Maybe a way to inspire the owner to victory, or something (maybe like having a horimono is on a blade). I will pm you the pictures when the piece arrives, in a few days. Thanks for the excellent explaination! I would love to hear you explain a bit further too, but it would be probably best to wait till I post the pictures of the piece.

But somebody may have glued it????

Dear Arnold, PM sent. Now you get my association. I'll post the pictures which will clarify, as soon as the piece arrives. Thanks for the patience on this but I'm see you all will agree this piece is worth it.

Thanks! Interesting. Once I post pictures of the rest, you will understand. I wonder why this word would be put on a koshirea (or rather I wonder what this word would be doing on this wierd of a koshirea)? -Grant

I will be uploading more pictures, when the piece arrives in a week or sooner. Thanks in advance for the help. I think folks will like the work on this one! -Grant

SIgns of actual combat means damage which will be costly to repair. Agree with Stephen it is likely the seller's name says it all. Seller doesn't list much pertinate information, and few photos.

Please keep us posted. That picture is worse than eBay. Looks pretty nice!

Don't translate myself: too lazy. I hope you don't mind, but can you "throw a dog a bone?" How about some pictures of more than nakago? Looking at swords is more fun than just a section of nakago.