eureka123

Thanks for your help on helping me identify my sword. I worked and finally removed the handle off, and to get a picture of the sword maker, and post. The swordmaker mark is 13!!! Boy, did I screw up today, and I hate to say how much I paid. I will be feeling it for a while. I should have known, something was not right, the auction had, a can full of german medals, with a Knights Cross in it, and I know enough about german items, to see they were fake. The fellow was a part time gunsmith and I did hear he traveled to different shows, while I was standing around at the sale. I, got caught up in the excitment, of the auction, and remembered all the stories, I have heard about the value of rare Japanese swords over the years. Rule number 1 .... Stick with what you are familiar with, and watch out for auction fever. If this sword had been at a fea market, or gun show, I would never had bought, but the country auction, out of the closet, got me. Thanks for your imput Bob

Help Needed – I am not a sword collector. I attended an advertised farm auction today, which had advertised 3 WWII Mausers (which I collect). Rifles were in terrible shape so I passed. But I did buy a Japanese sword the fellow brought back after WWII. The sword was in storage since the war. Sword is very high quality and heavy. Blade is tarnished brown/gray, but no chips or rust, with many temper waves. My question is – I can’t remove the handle. I located a wood plug, which I carefully removed but handle is still on tight. I can’t located another wood plug (wrapping is very tight around handle). In the middle of the handle there is a bump under the wrapping, but I hate to disturb the wrapping to see. I know enough from collecting to stop and ask questions from someone who knows. Where do I proceed to find out what I have? Thanks for your help!