David Flynn

A way around customs, is to declare the sword is being returned from restoration. Then it may also be insured.

I'll go E2

Japanese swords are not classed as illegal weapons by Autralian customs. Unless customs has a deal with the Victorian Govt.( they do have sword restrictions), The only thing Customs is concerned with, is collecting the tax on anything valued over $1000.00 au. Also, the best way to ship a sword to Oz, is EMS. Other services pile on the charges if customs becomes involved. If the declared value is less than $1000 au (about $850us) it automaticly by passes customs and is delivered directly to the postal address. If the declared value is over $1000au, there is a 10% tax and a Customs examination fee, about $60au. The other services, Fedex etc. Charge extra transport and examination fees if Customs are involved. This is in the vicinity of the customs fee, plus the tax, plus a fee for taking the tax and about an extra $150 for their trouble. Ends up working out pretty expensive.

not to the Irish. :D

Happy new year everyone :D

Made by Masayuki, He sometimes used a stamp for his Mei(name). Considered tradionally made sword(Gendaito).

Try Fred Lohman: http://www.Japanese-swords.com/

Dr Michael and Sheree Cox of Seaox(name of site) State, don't buy anything from a dealer in China, Hong Kong, or Australia. I don't know why they Have a warning against us poor Aussies, we're as pure as the trodden snow. :D

I visited the Dai Butsu in Nov. It doesn't move, but my mind does

The saya looks like its been wrapped in something. Plastic?

Hi Oliver, welcome.

Amahide ran a sword factory. His swords were signed by either his son, Fukumoto Kanemune(this sword) or Ido Hidetoshi. This sword would be classed as a Showato/gunto (mass produced).

Welcome aboard Simon. From a fellow Aussie and collector, yes ebay is frustrating. As stated, ebay doesn't seem to care about fakes and many "Newbies", get stung. To the trained eye though, one becomes used to the fakes and is able to scroll trough pretty quick. Unfortunately, we have people that buy these chinese and other copies, posting on this board and asking for comments. Some get put off, others learn and progress.

As it is not my sword, I can't post any pics. However, the owner is a member of this board and I will ask him.

A friend of mine picked up a Showa Tachi (presentation?) at a gun show. He bought it because it was in very good condition and a very good price. The blade was also in good condition but grey. Upon taking it home, he discovered it was a fully signed Kanemune without any stamps. Upon the application of a bit of Uchiko, the blade came up a treat. All features were visible.

Just one of the many seki smiths. Again, showato/gunto and probably oil tempered.

Looks like someone has done a bad clean up job on it. From the clear filemarks and the newish rust, could be from late shinshinto through to showa. I can't see enough of any of the features to call anything else.

Isn't Ju Roku 1941? Showa 1926 being Ichi.

(Yoshida) Kaneuji with a Kaneuji kokuin (the stamp just says, Kaneuji) This is a Showato/Gunto . Probably oil tempered. David

Thanks Barry, a very handy reference. :D David

What do you eventualy want to do with this sword? How much is this sword worth Vs, How much should one invest further? I'm not trying to talk you out of "Customising" this sword, Only that it's easy to over capitalise. At the end, the only other people that would probably be interested in this sword, once it is customised, are Martial artists. David

At a quick glance, this sword appears to be O suriage Koto, Sukesada den? David

Lucky Bas***d, :lol: David

A very late war gunto. Unless you're into militaria and not nihonto, really not worth collecting. David

alean, I suggest you stop trying to "Bargain hunt," on ebay. Most of us watch what is being offered on ebay and choose, very carefully. What I suggest you do, is see as many true nihonto as you can. Study the books, save up and buy from either another collector or a dealer. Unless you really know what you are doing, you will only waste your money on ebay. David