robinalexander

That's a very nice example Brittany, look after it. It is now worth a lot more than it was when you acquired it.

Hmmmmm ...nothing much to like about that Ishizuke doesn't look genuine WW2 to me. But is that really a brass tip on the bottom of the saya? (Copper 95 style) ?

Brian try Mark Davies at Japanese Warriors UK ...usually lots of bits and pieces

Brian...I hope he hasnr been scammed. I am happy to contact Imazu-san and try a get some sort of info/update. If your contact is agreeable, PM me all relevant details and I will give it a go. No promises but this has me intrigued..... up to you. Rob

Hello 'B' welcome , just need to remind you of Forum rules (from Home page under new members) .... Please note that we require all posts to be signed with at least a real first name. A name and initial makes it even easier. There are 2 ways to do this. Either remember to sign each of your posts with a name, or do what most do. Go into your profile, and edit your signature so that your name is automatically added to every post.

Don't wish to keep this going but I just received an email from Imazu-san ........ Dear Valued Customer, I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by my poor health. Thanks to you, I am now feeling much better. We will resume normal business operations from tomorrow. We will also resume shipments to overseas customers, which have been delayed. We deeply apologize for any concern and inconvenience caused, and we ask for your understanding and forgiveness. We look forward to your continued support of Giheya. Sincerely, Imazu Atsuogi Hiraya

George everything I can see in the bad pics suggests it is WW2 sword. The tassel does look original and well used as does the Ito. The chuso buttons are often replaced as they are easily broken by the uninitiated. That replacement could be wartime or post. Pierced tsuba and central chuso hole on fuchi are typical signs of Type 94 but Kabuto-gane maybe not...but that's nothing. As for the blade ? .... need better pics, particularly of nakago and kissaki.

Communication may not be a strong point for reason(s) unknown but that aside, a pancake always has two sides.

Hope it all works out HB

Also, I received an email/subscription message a week or two ago....as it's not private there is no problem sharing in the circumstances. To Our Valued Customers, After attending the Daitokenichi in Tokyo, I fell ill and visited a doctor. However, the prescribed medicine had little effect, and I endured ten difficult days with a sore throat, fever at night, coughing, and a runny nose. Fortunately, my influenza and COVID-19 tests came back negative. I apologize for the inconvenience caused as I wasn’t able to work as usual. Although I am still experiencing a lingering cough, my condition has improved considerably. To our overseas customers, I apologize for the delay in shipping your orders; I will begin shipping them sequentially this week. Sincerely, Atsuo Imazu, Giheiya

Atsuo Imazu ...nice bloke. He is just recovering from the flu or similar. I have purchased 2 blades from him in the past with absolutely no problems. BUT he is sometimes a little slow with responses but has always come through... just be patient and with all remote (unseen) purchases, the bottom line is buyer beware. I would certainly purchase from him again. Rob

It's a piece of history Jun ... don't mess with it!

Sorry Mikko, does not look Japanese. You have identified the obvious offender, being the 'kanji' on the blade but all-round, this is not a Japanese Gunto. Rob

Thomas have look at this link...provides some good information for newbies. Nihonto message Board:- Knowledge base and Articles .. if that link doesn't work, go to NMB home page, then Nihonto Info, then FAQs. A lot to absorb there! There used to be a link to Japanese Sword Care and Etiquette but the link appears broken @Brian ? As to your original question, IMO that price is around current market value. Its a Type 98 Officers sword Imperial Japanese Army. Should you buy it or not????? That is very much an individual question. We all have a different collecting focus and that often changes over time. I refer you back to the link above. Rob

Sam, it seems your on a roll

Welcome Thomas, nice sword but ....first things first. You may not have done it but we never (ever) place the blade (or complete sword for that matter) on any hard surface, like a tiled floor....I can feel many cringing when they see that one. I'll try and find the 'sword etiquette' tips and post them for you, unless some else chimes in first. Rob

PS ....It would be wise to get a second opinion

Hi Sam ....jump on it if its well priced. Nice package with what looks like and original tassel ( or bloody good repo but I'm going for it). One of the first pattern after 'copper' 95's ..made by Suya Shoten Co Ltd, Tokyo !st inspection mark in middle and out of Kokura Arsenal. Hard to know what's under the string binding but I have a copper that had that done to it. Not a problem Try and find out what number is on the saya throat....if it matching (7249) then its even more collectable and valuable.

Hi Jeffrey... you have probably seen the earlier NMB thread on this topic (not so much about the bust though) but in case you haven't seen it, there may be a lead in it for you. Good luck. Sword Hunt after WW2 https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/45512-sword-hunt-after-ww2/

Thankyou John, Piers and Koichi-san Much appreciated.

Yoshitsugu ?

This has me tossed ... assistance is appreciated as always.

Looks like shark skin to me Bruce. I have a gut feeling the upgraded 'gold ray' dia seppa may be hiding under that verdigris. Just a feeling.

Sorry, wrong Forum Aegon ... blacksmithing might be more in line with your ambitions?

Brian, before I drill down here...does this mob include an Android reducer for Video?