unknown sword please help

[Discus420]

I would love some help with Identification and age of this sword please 

[Discus420]

I am looking to learn about the Samurai and their swords . This is one I have my eye on I want the first sword I get to be old as I will be giving this to my son he is a history Student and would love to have a real sword maybe for xmas??

[Tensho]

This is a Chinese fake.  I would suggest reading here for some basic knowledge of what to look for. http://www.japaneseswordindex.com/repro.htm

[Discus420]

Thank you I have spent many hours trying to find a match to this blade. 

 

looks like I need to spend many years to even get started I have another sword and still I am confused if real if fugazi ??

[Discus420]

The Damascus fools me it looks like it is folded steel

[Ray Singer]

This may help in identifying these pieces in the future. 

 

http://www.jssus.org/nkp/fake_japanese_swords.html

[Brian]

These are terrible. Not even close. Please spend some time looking at real swords. Note...if the blade looks folded/damascus, then there is a huge chance it is a fake.
Japanese swords aren't layered like damascus steel.
And the fittings are never crude and gaudy like this.

[Peter D]

Folded steel is really easy to make, especially in countries where in some areas $20 a week is a normal wage. Chinese and Indian makers are already making fakes that are many times better than presented here so watch out.

 

I know this appears like the most boring advice but its true: Invest your first few hundred in books, then in items. The fakes posted here are so far off the real thing that a single book would have helped you spot the difference.

 

Other good advise is to go to sword shows, join a local nihonto collector's club, or at least befriend a serious collector. This in order to get a handle on what the real deal looks like. The internet is only a good source for study once you've enabled yourself to see what's good and what is not.

 

I hope this helps.

[Bruce Pennington]

Hi William,

I'm another Colorado collector!

 

Don't know if you're interested in WWII gunto, but a great place to start getting familiar with the look of real Japanese workmanship is Ohmura's fabulous site:

 

Military Swords of Imperial Japan (gunto)

 

and it's completely free!

[Discus420]

Thank you all for the help it has been very useful. 

[Discus420]

Hello again it has been a month of reading and hunting still looking for that first buy for my son lets see if I have improved any please take a look and let me know what you think

[Misconstrued]

To me this appears to be a genuine WW2 Gunto, these were mass produced. I'm not very knowledgeable on these. Is it a traditionally made sword? No. But is it a Japanese sword? Yes. Hopefully others will chip in.

[Bruce Pennington]

With the limited photos of the blade, it's impossible to say whether traditionally made or not.  Odds are in favor of it being showato, or non-traditionally made, like Jace says.  But you are improving considerably, William!

[John C]

William:

Sometimes it helps to know which questions to ask. Here are some questions you could answer about the sword that will help you with your decision (all of the answers can be found on this forum and the already referenced web sites).

1. What are the red marks on the tang and what do they mean?

2. What type of tsuba is that? (does it go with that style of sword?)

3. The latch release button does NOT appear to be in the middle of the fuchi. What type of sword does that signify?

4. Does the color and style of the tassel and cord mean anything?

5. How many hangers are on the saya? What type of sword does that signify?

6. Are there any stamps on the nakago? If so, what do they mean?

7. Lastly, put all of those answers together. Do they make sense together as whole given what you think the sword should be?

Just know, I'm not being critical. I hope researching these answers will help you not only in your research skills, but also in your identification skills.

John C.

[kissakai]

Hi William

Buying on the NMB is advised and save money on books at the same especially if for some else

If you fancy one PM the seller and ask all the questions and if satisfied go ahead

I haven't heard of a sword mis-described on the NMB but I suppose there are exceptions and genuine fakes

I would expect anyone fraudulently selling items the would be removed ASAP

If a seller adds a note to his item that states he wishes no comments then I would be wary. It still may be kosher but would raise some doubt to me personally