John C

Teppo was probably the wrong term. Maybe tanegashima is more accruate? This barrel, for example. https://www.ebay.com/itm/168167826408?itmmeta=01KHZ5VS9WFVSV05TZE05ZNZKF&hash=item27279563e8:g:orQAAOSwioRoAjRl Or this matchlock, for example. https://www.ebay.com/itm/168160773447?itmmeta=01KHZ7NB909XBYAJ0XNE2NAT6C&hash=item272729c547:g:cYMAAeSwqixpfXSF John C.

Hello: I was interested in several of their items, namely the teppo and armor stuff they carry. But I know absolutely nothing about that stuff and how to spot fakes. Just as a general opinion, do you all think the stuff they are selling seems legit? I know some folks won't comment on specific items, however I was hoping for a general opinion. https://www.ebay.com/str/basarajapan?_trkparms=folent%3Abasarajapan|folenttp%3A1&_trksid=p3542580.m47492.l74602 John C.

Steve: Just to expand on what Ray noted, notice the issues marked by the arrows: 1) the blade has been shortened for some reason. Note how the hamon does not taper off but is rather robust at the ha-machi. This indicates it used to be longer. 2) Also notice the notch is not perpendicular to the blade but angled. Probably happened when it was re-cut. 3) Note how the nakago is not straignt. Again, probably cut or ground down by someone. 4) Looks as if the kanji have been ground down and are not as strong as they used to be. John C.

@Scogg Sam: Possibly for your next update, a variation 9 (?) with what looks like the jinsen mark and the extraodinary inspection mark. But it falls just outside your listed serial number range. Could be useful if updating the range (300,107 to 301,799 on page 58). https://www.ebay.com/itm/306773941651? John C.

Anthony: Personally, I think you could do better for 600 pounds. If it's history you are interested in, would that be Japanese history, samurai history, ww2 history? I think once you settle on that answer, it will guide you to a nicer, or more meaningful, blade in your price range. This one is a bit of a mash up between civil and military. Many of us have started out with a less-than-desireable sword, only to do more research and then wish we had spent that money on something better. I only mention this because this hobby is expensive and kind of like a Moray eel - once it bites into you, it doesn't let go. John C.

Steve: Not sure if you still need it but the date, I think, is auspicious day Feb 1939 (showa 14). John C.

Tom: I just realized this one does not have a kiku. Sorry for the mis-lead. John C.

This could be what you are looking for. His description is incorrect (AI generated), however I think it is 23rd gen kanefusa. https://www.ebay.com/itm/147086903736 John C.

I'm thinking maybe a suiteki with the dots in the middle and corner. John C.

Is the scabbard metal or has it been painted? John C.

Nicholas: There are a couple of Hon'ami kao listed in Markus Sesko's Compendium that look similar but not exact. You might start there. John C.

Not so sure about the damage leather can cause, Ed. While I use veg tanned exclusively, the Japanese used chrome tanned or oil tanned leather on their seppa, scabbards, and saddlery. I suspect the chemicals in the leather are not a big risk. John C.

James: Wow. You have some really nice pieces! I don't know enough to give you a specific valuation (something we avoid doing anyway), however I can say that I have seen similar pieces sold on ebay for hundreds of dollars EACH. Individually, you may have some even nicer than that. I think it would be worth your time to seek out an expert - someone who deals with this kind of stuff regularly - or find a Token society meeting near where you live. But PLEASE take you time with this. I think you may be surprised at the overall value of what you have. John C.

Thank you for the info, Nazar. John C.

Sam: What's interesting is that this could be the genesis of why the Chinese fakes have offset machi. I could imagine them taking apart a type 95 and thinking this is how it is supposed to be done. John C.