John C

It does have the star stamp just above the mekugi-ana. John C.

The assembly numbers are 2779, however there is another character above the Japanese numbers. Is that a zero or katakana? John C.

Would the pierced tsuba be type 94 or type 98? From the description: "This is an original Japanese army officer’s sword in Shin Gunto mountings from World War 2." John C.

Looks like a legit type 95, however may not be worth trying to salvage. Mass-produced blade with no mei; saya looks like it may be too far gone; tsuka is aluminum and may be pitted. But it could be salvaged if you don't mind it looking rough. John C.

I thought it was interesting that the small stamp next to the anchor was similar to the first kanji in the mei. John C.

Yes. It's an excellent resource to compare what a military sword should look like vs what is being sold on-line. I think you can still get them for 175 from Dawson himself. Worth the investment to avoid a costly mistake. John C.

For what it's worth, I think you are correct - 1600 to 1800. He wants 3000. But I'm sure someone will disagree with me so take with a grain of salt. John C.

@Bruce Pennington Is the stamp above one of the "mystery" Inaba stamps? Here is the auction: https://www.ebay.com/itm/296129779214?hash=item44f2b5d60e:g:B2sAAOSwC9dli1zm&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA8K5FP3r%2Fc3SGuU7Pvkb6zQAYl4U6FiMVGwzo89wB43gk8XqRLG7xBBwmoBWx6VLzhYEpu6nFQC8vC1bn3855%2BIrOhaj%2BWDn6KVmT0f3L4n%2B12NXRXnHpaLo%2BhKikt5Ms1VnK6aBR3LqeqcQQrXPHpaCAId68nCAx2YaCHfUPUMI4B992W8%2Br6rkBpTUiuxcjo86dXnviDW70N0au9eGz4ZruiD%2F0vhK8nLcxVRkRV9dBRRWy1NW9cALI4TDTC8ensprPymmO1RHvV4NdosUYk2de9d0mt1Da%2FpfRQY7fNaxiDn7krKMsllxCfAt1hnt%2BJw%3D%3D|tkp%3ABk9SR8jL_vmYYw John C.

Wow. You guys put my 2nd Gen Nobuyoshi to shame!! John C.

I do. In the last year, I have bought 3 to use as references. When I see a sword I like, I pull out the references (Dawson and Fuller and Gregory mostly) to examine in detail what the auction sword looks like compared to the references. My main concern is whether or not the item is fake, but also if all the parts are correct, are parts missing, are the colors or styles correct, etc. If I have further questions, I then post them on the forum with the proviso that I have already done some research and couldn't find the answer. So in sum, I do think books are a valuable reference source to do some preliminary research. But am I going to memorize them and become an expert? Not likely. John C.

Nice blade. Wish we could own these in Cali. John C.

Why did they use the English translation "Japan" rather than Nippon? Just curious. John C.

Correct. But I was referring to the ship designation. What kind of ship was designated as KA? John C.

Interesting flash communication. It notes there was a suicide attack with planes crashing near "KA-15." I can't find a reference for a ship designated as "KA" so not sure about that either. http://www.navweaps....index_ships_list.php John C.

No. Many of the strokes are quite different. I would forget about the name and just look at the steel and pattern. If you like it, assume it is gimei and go for it if you think the price is right Treat it like any other mumei blade. John C.

In general, swords purchased by officers could have a variety of embellishments depending on how much money they had to spend. I also have a sword with copper-washed brass fittings. But remember that copper is soft and not a preferred material for combat swords. In an article by Hakusui Inami, he notes that "brass is for parades, iron is for combat" (or words to that effect). John C.

Max: Nothing there suggests WW2. If it is real (need better pics or link to site), it would be much older. John C.

Matthew: Just a tip - when you get it, there is no need to take off the handle. There won't be a signature or date and you may damage the sarute. John C.

The origami seems legit. Dated 1999, which matches the imprinted dots in the upper left side. It also notes it is a wakizashi, if that's what you are looking for. John C.

I know this type of fake has been posted before, however not for 125,000 dollars! Just an FYI to new folks not to believe everything you read. https://www.ebay.com/itm/176072699289 John C.

Not likely. Sometimes an exact smith may not be identifiable, however the particular style and school is. Additionally, the shinsa team is made up of experts. This is what they do (after years of study). I would feel comfortable with their assessment being accurate (see discussions on "green papers" for additional information on older paperwork). John C.

Just a general note. Some schools of thought actually prefer mumei blades that have shinsa attribution. No debate as to whether or not a mei is genuine. John C.

Not sure if this has been posted before, however the link is to a short video that talks briefly about iron ore production, tartara, tamahagane, and swordsmithing. Not great detail but interesting if thinking of travel. https://www3.nhk.or....emand/video/2007489/ John C.

I have seen something similar on US marine corps sword tassels. John C.

@Bruce Pennington @Jcstroud Thoughts? John C.