batesman

Thank you, Peter. I have looked around my area, and unfortunately there isn't a collectors club nearby. As a result, my ability to inspect confirmed antiquities is limited. However, I am considering coming to Tampa for the show. At present, my only reference book is is "The Samurai Sword - A Handbook", by John Yumoto, and I have quickly learned that no single book is adequate. Is it even possible to buy a sword on ebay with confidence without knowing the seller in some capacity? How can I be reasonably sure that this item is not a well made replica? Kind Regards!

Hello All, I am posting this to try and understand your process. Let's say that you are evaluating this item for purchase: http://www.ebay.com/itm/y-3-Japanese-sw ... 51b78d83ae Granted, you might choose not to buy from ebay, but for the sake of the discussion, we will. You have only the images present to work with, and cannot perform an in personal inspection prior to purchase. How do you evaluate the item? What is your method? Given that this is supposedly the work of a Bizen smith of note, how do you verify its authenticity? How do you date it? My only reference book at this time is, "The Samurai Sword - A Handbook", by John M. Yumoto, and I'm in the process of building my body of knowledge, but I'm interested in your thought process here. Kind Regards!

Thank you, Chris. John, I added that information when registering, and I have checked my profile. It appears to still be present. I'm not sure why it's not showing up. I will check the settings again.

Greetings all, I have been lurking on this board for some time, soaking up the wealth of knowledge that is present. Thanks to you all for sharing what you have learned! I am trying to determine the legitimacy of this gendai and mounts (I know it is difficult to do with only photos to work with), and I would appreciate any input from the group. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Japanese-WW-II- ... NA:US:3160 I can't shake the feeling that something looks off about this signature. An example of the smith's signature is present here: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=4164 The seller, Showa22 has many other gendai listed for sale and I wondered if this is someone from this forum, or if this person is a purveyor of replicas. Based on what can be seen, is it possible to definitively determine the authenticity of this blade and it's fittings? Kind Regards