Lockbars

Yes I see what you're saying on the shape. Also, I did find another two stamps on the side of the blade opposite where the serial numbers are stamped. Here's a pic. From an article I was reading it sounds like these small stamps on the blade would be inspection stamps. https://imgur.com/a/O7cvqE0

HI Bruce, Thank you for the help. My photo editing skills are not good and I do not want to post really big files so I'm going to attach a link again. I'm working on learning how to reduce the size so I don't have to post links. There should be four photos in this additional album that get the areas I think you are interested in seeing. Let me know if I missed anything else you want to see. The handguard does appear to be painted black. There is a faint marking I could not make out that I can kind of see. https://imgur.com/a/LFPuq3Y Thank you again. Tom

Hello, I'm a complete novice on Japanese swords. I have picked up a couple books but am still at the very early stage of learning. I bought my first sword, which I believe is a type 32 Otsu. My first concern is that I cannot make out a Tokyo arsenal stamp. The leather washer is there, the fuller appears to be correct, and the serial numbers appear to be in the right place. Is this a fake or foreign contract or just arsenal refurbished? My gut is arsenal refurbed but you all are the experts. I am happy to add any additional photos. https://imgur.com/a/ZsjEmb6