Scogg

Hi Dan, It’s already implied that uncited conversational comments are your opinions. Calling someone a “snob” is name-calling, and accusing others of being part of a conspiracy to benefit restoration businesses, something you’ve entirely fabricated, can be viewed as slander. In the opinion of others, you are sharing bad advice and therefore receiving pushback for it. If that makes you feel intimidated, ridiculed, berated, or belittled, that is your perception, but it does not justify personal attacks or spreading false claims. This forum is explicitly for the study and preservation of genuine Japanese swords and fittings. I sincerely hope that means we’re all “snobs” when it comes to this stuff. -Sam

The dimensions of the tsuba look funky to me; the circumference seems small. The drilled mekugi ana seems unusually placed. The kobutogane has some extra material around the ana for the sarute that I’m not familiar with seeing. All that being said, I’d still like to see more photos… You do see some weird stuff sometimes with WW2 swords. I’ll relocate the thread to the military section for some more eyes. We can always move it again if needed. Sincerely, -Sam

We’ll need more photos to make an informed assessment. Please use a dark, non-reflective background. Helpful images would include: a full length shot of the sugata taken straight from above, close ups of the munemachi and hamachi, and clear photos of both sides of the nakago. As mentioned above, some detailed shots of the tsuba would also be useful. If genuine, it may or may not have a stamp somewhere around the ana. With some more photos, I can relocate the thread to the appropriate section whether that’s here, the military section, or the fake section. Regards, -Sam

Hi Jeffree, BONJI can be tough to identify, but I think you're correct with KANMAN FUDŌ. It is definitely a Nihonto; but in very poor condition as you've noted. It is difficult to say whether or not it would be worth restoring, and for that you may need to get it into the hands of a qualified TOGISHI (professionally trained Nihonto polisher). I'm up in the Portland area, but I spend quite a bit of time down in Eugene. If you want someone to take a look in person, and chat about the sword, feel free to reach out. (Edit: I’m a collector and enthusiast, not an expert.) All the best, -Sam

I would have some concern that modern adhesives could contribute to corrosion of the seppa and may be difficult to remove without affecting the existing patina or wear. A similar approach without adhesive would achieve the same result while reducing risk to the parts. Just a thought. Best regards, -Sam

Some documents on the Type 95 Military Sword Leather Tassel. I'm neglecting to offer my google translations because they are not perfectly accurate; and I do not want to mislead in the interpretations. Source: Rules for wearing sword knot of saber Model 95 (remodeled sword guard): https://www.jacar.archives.go.jp/das/image-en/C01005289200 Firearms Section notification: Model 95 saber wearing and carrying guidelines: https://www.jacar.archives.go.jp/das/image-en/C01005222500

@chgruener I will relocate this to the Military Swords of Japan section, as it better fits that category. I think you'll get some additional input there. Best of luck, -Sam

That’s a very nice field grade example John. I’ve been looking for one of those for my field grade E&F Horster/SUYA Kyu Gunto. A couple company grade kyu gunto tassels that I recently picked up. One is a bit worn and dirty, the other looks nearly new and in a box.

Brian Tchernega did a wonderful presentation on tsukamaki. He brought tsuka dating from the muromachi period onward, and did a demonstration of a couple different wrapping styles. Some pretty incredible and old tsuka that he allowed us to admire. It was really cool to watch and be able to ask questions.

ホ = HO = 小倉陸軍造兵廠第一製造所 = 1st Factory of Kokura Army Arsenal All the best, -Sam

Here’s a couple that I took. The only mantetsu that I’ve found here

Finally found one for you @Bruce Pennington

Got another one for you @John C At the Vegas arms show

Thanks Bruce. In the text Dawson mentions a different example pictured in his 1996 edition. I wonder if anyone has that version, and would be willing to share a photo? Best of luck Seth, -Sam

About to fly out to Vegas for the sword show, but before I leave I flipped through my copy of Swords of imperial Japan 1868-1945 Cyclopedia Edition by Jim Dawson. The back strap of your sword is reminiscent but not identical to the “Sea plant and waves custom sword” on page 244 and 245.

Really interesting. I believe Conway is onto something. The blade appears to be the precise length of the Type 32 Otsu (rather than the Koh). Both serial numbers align with the with Type 32 Otsu range as well. Maybe some close measurements would confirm or deny. Stamp on the drag may be: ホ = HO = 小倉陸軍造兵廠第一製造所 = 1st Factory of Kokura Army Arsenal Nick Komiya’s thread and photo on warrelics: https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/Japanese-militaria/how-type-32-sword-born-791000/

Hi @ChrisW, Is that last blade the one you got from me a while back? If so, I can confirm it appears to be traditionally made . I also suspect wartime manufacture, but I was a bit on-the-fence about it being possibly slightly older... Best of luck with your sales, -Sam

Unfortunately the other side is not shown. I commented and asked if anything can be seen on that side. Hopefully we get an additional picture

Spotted on facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1YzXYi6wt1/?

I wonder if the tip is just sunk into the carpet. These typically sell for between $750 and $1500 depending on condition. Yours looks in decent but not perfect shape. eBay "sold items" will give you some good idea of a fair asking price for your sale listing. Best of luck, -Sam

After consulting my notes: If the blade # did match the scabbard #, it would be the highest serial number brass tsuba that I have personally observed with the Sakura Ichi stamp; but it’s right at that transition in my records, so who knows . I’ve been trying to make out that scabbard stamp. Maybe one of these? 社 , 社 = SHA 各民間工場 Each civilian/private factory or 江 = e = Matsue Supervisory Unit of Kokura Army Arsenal. (Not sure I’ve ever seen this one) or 仁 = Jin = Incheon army arsenal inspection I’m sure Bruce or Kiipu will be along, who might be able to recognize it. -Sam

Everything looks good to me. Looks like a nice sword. Unfortunate that the serial number has been buffed away. It has the right stamps on the ferrule to theoretically match the scabbard #. But it’s also possible it was buffed intentionally because it didn’t match. Unfortunately we’ll never know, and that may hurt the value a little bit. All the best, -Sam

Maybe the horse who modeled for the artist was just really tired I’ve always found the cavalry stuff particularly cool. Thank you for sharing. Is the backside of page one the tack and saddle diagram?

Unfortunately, I agree with the above @Hrushev, and I’ll relocate this thread to the fake Japanese sword section. For some info on how to spot fakes in the wild, this is a good link: https://www.jssus.org/nkp/fake_japanese_swords.html Sorry for the bad news. Sincerely, -Sam