Shoto Sword

[kmann]

okay guys, I am pretty much clueless here. I have what appears to be a 15'' Tanto Sword. I got it in Burma some 20 years ago. it has been laying in a closet for a long time. It is original. It is in pretty good condition. I have searched the Internet for the past 3 days and cannot find a match. A guy I know who collects them said it appears to be quite rare. If I send in pictures, can you guys help me out. It also has what appear to be 4 sets of Initials forged into it. Thanks for your help!! Like I said, I have no clue.

[Brian]

Hi. Please sign with a name and initial (unless your name is K. Mann? )

The proof is in the pics of course. Feel free to post them in this thread, and we will take a look.

I must say that if the initials are forged into the blade, then it doesn't sound promising though. Japanese swords have their signature carved into the tang, and they are pretty much never worked into the forging, or acid etched on.

Take a look at the link above to fake Japanese swords, and if that doesn't answer the questions..then the pics will help us to assist you.

 

Regards,

Brian

[kmann]

I do go by Kmann. The initials are not on the Blade. They are on the Handle and the Tang. I am now going to take pictures and attempt to post. Thanks Brian.

[kmann]

http://militaria.co.za/nihontomessagebo ... =5896#5896

[kmann]

Here's the pics....hope it works...

 

http://img265.imageshack.us/content.php ... ds1we5.jpg

[kmann]

Having a hard time doing this, but here's another photo...

 

http://img367.imageshack.us/my.php?image=swords4ah4.jpg

[kmann]

here's another...

 

http://img73.imageshack.us/my.php?image=swords5pw2.jpg

[Stephen]

sorry to say its a chinese copy.

[kmann]

sorry to say its a chinese copy.

 

Think so? Why do you think? It does'nt match any of the fake sword things on top, but you're probably right. At least it was free. I talked to an appraiser and he is hosting the program "Antique road Show" in March. For 5 bucks they will do it as oppposed to 100.oo per hr he charges.

 

Thanks

[sencho]

Hi Kmann,

 

That Kashira (buttcap) shows kanji that looks like it was made with a dremel tool rather than the sort of workmanship that you would expect to see on a Japanese made peice.

 

It looks like a chinese crapper as Stephen said, but from those pictures I am going on the kashira and tsuba for that conclusion. Never know could be wrong.

 

cheers

[sencho]

 

For 5 bucks they will do it as oppposed to 100.oo per hr he charges.

 

Thanks

 

Plenty of people will give you a quick opinion on fake or real for nothing.... don't part with $100 bucks or even 5 bucks until someone has given you some indication if it is real or not... $100 bucks sounds like it could be a rip off... that appraiser isn't in South Florida is he?

 

If you did have real tanto/sword or other, then there are plenty of students of nihonto who will give you an appraisal, that will know a lot more than the Antiques Roadshow guys.

 

Cheers!

[kmann]

Hi Kmann,

 

That Kashira (buttcap) shows kanji that looks like it was made with a dremel tool rather than the sort of workmanship that you would expect to see on a Japanese made peice.

 

It looks like a chinese crapper as Stephen said, but from those pictures I am going on the kashira and tsuba for that conclusion. Never know could be wrong.

 

cheers[/quote The only thing that makes me wonder is it is inscribed the same way in 4 places. Also theres something on the Blade under the Handle, but it would have to be disassembled to read it.

[kmann]

 

For 5 bucks they will do it as oppposed to 100.oo per hr he charges.

 

Thanks

 

Plenty of people will give you a quick opinion on fake or real for nothing.... don't part with $100 bucks or even 5 bucks until someone has given you some indication if it is real or not... $100 bucks sounds like it could be a rip off... that appraiser isn't in South Florida is he?

 

If you did have real tanto/sword or other, then there are plenty of students of nihonto who will give you an appraisal, that will know a lot more than the Antiques Roadshow guys.

 

Cheers!

He's about the 3rd one who said that was the cost. He's in Sanford. I also think your probably right about the Road Show guys. What are the odds they would know anything about Swords

[sencho]

Well often there is a militaria specialist, but they would (I imagine) have a more generally broad knowledge than some of the people that specialize in just nihonto.

 

But anyway keep with this message board is the best way you can go!

 

Show us some pictures of the tang and the characters on there...

 

Cheers

[kmann]

I will try to get some better photos. the Characters on the Tang are the same as the ones in the picture. They just did'nt come out. Also the things that look like Beads under the wrap appear to match the real ones from the fake Sword page.

Thanks

[sencho]

HI,

 

That is Rayskin... (the "beads" you talk of) and is often reproduced for chinese made fake swords. If the characters on the tang are similar to the one on the kashira, then it is probably fake, as this does not match the type of workmanship expected of true nihonto.

 

cheers

[kmann]

Then it is probably fake as the Characters are somewhat similar. I just wonder when it was made, because I've had it for almost 25 years and it looks the same as when I got it. I have some more pictures to post this evening when I get time. Thanks