Might Be Stolen - Any Info

[dnmmilo]

G'day,

 

I recently purchased this Shin Gunto at an auction and have been contacted by the auctioneer who tells me the 2 of the other 8 lots submitted for sale by the same person have turned out to be stolen. Having been the victim of theft myself I don't want to have anything in my collection that might be stolen.  I haven't been able to translate the symbols on the haft so some assistance there would be helpful.

 

I have spoken to the AFP and the local ACT Police and no weapons matching this description have been reported stolen over the last few years.  If anybody thinks they recognise the sword or have any knowledge of it please contact me. Any advice on what else to do would be appreciated.  I can send more pics if they are required.

 

Cheers

 

David

[TETSUGENDO]

Well done David, best of luck!

 

Cheers,

    -S-

[SteveM]

服部正廣作

 

Hattori Masahiro saku.

 

Weird coincidence; this name just popped up on another blade on another thread in the past 24 hours. 

[dnmmilo]

Cheers Steve, hopefully not about a stolen sword !!

 

Anyway, I’ve just passed the name of the sword smith to the Senior Constable at ACT police who will conduct a database search.

[vajo]

Hattori Masahiro saku Mei is not soshin.

 

Its not a gendaito. 

 

you can compare it with that sword.

 

http://www.aoijapan.com/img/sword/2014/14722-2.jpg 

 

The value is limited David. I don't think you must have a lot of fear on this sword.

 

The problem is i think only a few policeman know something about Japanese Sword or can read any kanji. If you report the name of the smith they would need a picture with a explanation of the nakago and a manual to remove the handle. That is all very complicated. 

 

I dont know how this will handled in your country. In Europe we had a Database SIS to proof things (mostley there are serial no. reportet). The next step would be Europol and than Interpol. But things of lower value or not part of a bigger crime are not in that database. 

 

I would ask the auctioneer how he knows that the parts are stolen? Is there a report or something else? Which police had the knowledge about that.

[dnmmilo]

Cheers Vajo,

 

Good advice.

[PNSSHOGUN]

I doubt the police would go to the lengths of taking off the handle, unless the owner knew the signatures and had them recorded as photos it would be a difficult task for the police to track it.

[dnmmilo]

For all of those who have asked to be updated, I have just been informed by the Australian Federal Police that they have no record of this or any similar weapon having been reported as stolen.  I am most grateful to all of you who assisted.