johngdo

Thanks so much guys. I agree. There is a general lack of niji-mei to compare to. Ken, thank you for the recommendations. I'll do some more research. As always, thank you for your insight. John

Blade length is 24.5cm. Width at hamachi is just under 2cm. Shape is slight Takenoko Zori.

Hello, I was just hoping to get some thoughts on this Tanto from some of you guys. It's not in great shape, but the sugata had me thinking it may be Kamakura period Osafune. The price was right, so I picked it up... What would your overall impression be? Especially thoughts on Mei if you are able to give any. https://imgur.com/gallery/YJCI2IU Thank you for your thoughts, John

This is Type 95 NCO Shin-Gunto. Probably WW2. The blade is machine made so really nothing to see under the handle. These are of value to military collectors. John

Just to add my experience to the lot, I had an Inaba Tadakuni Katana that passed with 76 points. It papered to the 2nd generation. I was very happy with the Shinsa all around. John

The seller has his location listed as being in the USA. I'm guessing that these blades actually ship from China should you buy one. Is there a middle man in the USA providing a "legit" shipping address? Also, the owner of the FB sword commented stating that it's China made. It seems that the sword did not pass Shinsa. John

Alex, I happen to have a signed, but as of yet unverified Inaba Tadakuni Katana. I will be submitting it for Shinsa come April. If it passes and is attributed to a later generation Tadakuni I will send you some photos. Sorry I couldn't have been of immediate help, but I'll keep you updated. John

Good eye. David Hofhine. John

Hello, I thought that this community may appreciate these photos of the process of a finish polish for my Tadakuni. I've attached the gallery. I found it fascinating to see high quality step by step photos of a finish polish. https://imgur.com/a/P0lvh John

My assumption with an item like this is that the seller posts it in hopes that someone will "low-ball" them at say $1000 and feel that they got the swords at a steal when the seller accepts. These swords are junk, but if you establish their value at $16,000 then someone who doesn't know any better would naturally assume they are something to be sought after. Honestly, to an untrained eye, this would look like a pretty nice set. It presents nicely. Also, if this isn't a red flag, I don't know what is. As the seller suggests, have care. We are not familiar with Chinese items.We don't accept return by the reason of buyer's remorse and careless bid.Please read described information closely before you bid.We don't accept complaint based on information that is not described.We ask you to bid items on your own responsibility. If you cannot take your responsibility to your bid,please refrain from bidding.If you have any question,please email us,we're glad to answer you.

Hi Bob, Thanks for coming by with the info on the blade. It's really an interesting piece! Good luck with the auction. John

Very interesting! Thank you for the replies. John

I've never seen anything quite like it. I just wanted to share. From what I've read since finding it this style of Naginata is quite rare. I thought that you may all enjoy taking a look, and honestly for the price it's an interesting piece. https://ebay.com/itm/Japanese-Sword-Koto-Naginata-Chikushi-Satsuma-style-in-shirasaya-NBTHK-/162693924370 John

Beautiful. Just had a shirasaya made by John. His work is fantastic. -John

Will keep my eyes open, that's a pretty unique piece, and this is a small community. Let's hope for the best. In the mean while, do file a report with your local police. They should take interest in a high value theft like that. Since the package was so large, perhaps they were caught on camera somewhere?