Is the type 32 in the same boat as the 19?

[Bridges]

I’m seeing several nice type 32s pop onto the market and was wondering, is the type 32 faked? Now, I am not speaking on the Chinese saber that has the green grip as that is a key identifier that clearly separates itself from the Japanese wooden handle. I know we have discussed prior how the type 19 parade sword is generally not faked as China and the like focus their attention on more valuable swords like the 95 however, it appears, at least on eBay and the auctions I have seen, that the type 32 saber is accruing  in value. This led me to wonder if the type 32 is being faked or if it is in the same boat as the 19 and, will this change in the coming years? Attached is a picture of the nicest 32 I’ve seen yet.

[John C]

Not sure about the stamps. Ohmura mentions a taisho era "2" works for the arsenal. These marks are 3, 4, Dai, above the Tokyo arsenal mark with two inspector marks below. Not sure what the 4 is in the middle and the Dai looks pretty sloppy. Is there a "Ho" stamp below the serial number on the scabbard? It's hard to tell.

Just my observations.

John C.

[Bridges]

Hey @John C, the seller is saying this is a rare “Ko” model for cavalry. Here is the seller description:

“Japanese WW1 CAVALRY LONG "KO" SWORD WITH MATCHING SCABBARD and EXCELLENT BLADE. Dated Taisho 4.3 ( March of 1915 ) Cavalry long "ko" sword is much harder to find than a more common army "otsu" sword. "ko" swords were issued to the cavalry only. No parts movement, the lock works fine, intact original leather loop.“

[Shamsy]

Fake 32s are few and far between and easy enough to pick. This isn't one.

[Bridges]

If you ever find one Steve let me know.

[Bruce Pennington]

I don't study these in depth, but it looks good to me.  There was a lot of variation in the markings.  

 

Mine is quite unusual, in that there are no stamps on the handguard, but numbers, with decimal, inside the backstrap and on the nakago.  I don't remember how I worked it out, but I think it's the date, either Jan 21, 1918, or Dec 1, 1918.

 

[Shamsy]

9 hours ago, Bridges said:

If you ever find one Steve let me know.

There is a thread with one somewhere in this mass. Stephen helped provide some background. You could find it with diligence. 

[Kiipu]

Shamsy, I remember this thread about a reproduction.  Noah, in answer to your question, yes they have been reproduced.

Type 32 Ko, strange number and lack of markings. Is it a fake?

[Bridges]

Thanks, Kiipu. That’s just what I needed to know 

[Shamsy]

That's exactly right, Thomas. The other thread was from a dealer, if that helps. Honest and good bloke, just didn't know it was an old repro. But they are reasonably easy to spot and I don't see many at all.

[Kiipu]

On 1/12/2023 at 2:23 PM, Bridges said:

the seller is saying this is a rare “Ko” model for cavalry.

 

For the record, the serial number would indicate that this an otsu 乙 version.

 

@John C  The date is read from right to left, March 1915 大四.三.