Brian

Not just fake..VERY fake. Not even remotely close to the real thing, sorry.

With the nagako cleaned, this isn't worth anywhere near $1K. probably less than $500. They wiped out many hundreds of $'s value when they did that.

Thank you Sam, appreciate it.

Guys, I NEED you all to dial it back, and respect each other's opinions. I see too much antagonism in this thread, and really don't want to lock it. I've been in hospital for 2 days, and likely going back again for a bit, so can't be worrying about you guys at each other's throats. Just respect each other's opinions and act like adults. We've had some excellent intellectual discussion lately, so let's not ruin that, and I can't worry about babysitting this thread. Please respect and listen to the moderators, they have my permission to do anything necessary. I'd appreciate some respect for each other's opinions and way of collecting.

Same here!

This is Marto Spain. Have seen them before. Basically one step up from Chinese wallhangers. Not for using though.

Afraid this is a modern Chinese wallhanger, not a Japanese sword

Sold a fairly average civilian mounted Gendaito that I adored because it had some really interesting activity. 10 Years later when my friend retired and sold his collection of knives, I bought it back. It's here with me again.

Please open a new thread instead of re-opening one from 2023 Afraid yours is not Japanese as mentioned.

Definitely not Japanese.

One a Kai Gunto I came across at a small militaria show this weekend. Showato with Seki stamp, but would like to know who it's by. The other on a friend's sword that has naginata hi. Bit oddly carved mei? Thanks in advance.

Yip...what Ray said

His swords are usually NOT 100% traditionally made. I suspect this is halfway between Showato and Gendaito. The paperwork is no longer a reliable indicator.

Both are unfortunately tourist junk

Download is in the downloads section, so it is always available

I run this forum, for almost 20 years. And I still consider myself a novice. My advice is to ask people who know more than you for advice before making a purchase. There are some guys out there with decent knowledge. And try buy papered if you are in Japan. No paper is a bad sign if the item is at a decent level. Luckily you won't see fake swords there since they are illegal, but Chinese fittings and gimei signatures are rife.

Not the place for it, but I am sure everyone joins me in wishing you well

I'm betting this is Sumatra made during the occupation.

Gentlemen, this is a superb example of an educational and very scholarly discussion. Thank you all who are participating, and we even have a minimum of bickering.

I don't think what Dan has is crap by any means. There are collectors for every level and there are some nice tsuba there. And to each their own. BUT...it is important to acknowledge the fact that is is always good advice to buy ONE very good item, than accumulate 20 average ones. We might choose not to go that route...but at least acknowledge it is good advice. I don't even follow it myself, as spending is spread over a great time, and if I save up a decent amount, it is better spent on bills and debt. Easier to pay out small amounts without missing it too much. BUT...I'll never recommend that as good advice. But ONE good item if you can. You'll learn a lot. I'll leave this with the ever-so-common event that I find myself in, buying knife collections here. I soooo often get someone calling me to sell me their husband's "extensive" knife collection. I go there expecting to find some good knives mixed in with average stuff. And to give the lady a decent amount of money. Only to regularly be met with a 100+ collection of gas station and Chinese flea market knives, none of them worth more than 5 bucks. I have to decline and explain. It's not a pretty sight. So yes, you may not plan on selling. But someone is going to have to, at some point. Luckily there is a market for antique tsuba...even average ones. But always keep this in mind. And even if you choose not to follow the advice, it is still best to pass it on to novices as best practice.

I don't think it lost a decorative element. I think it is the decorative element.

The kanji look odd. But that yasurime looks convincing. However...that style of "chippy" carved mei, even if real, is mostly confined to arsenal/mass produced Showato, so at best you would likely be getting an oil quenched wartime blade, that is more suited to militaria collecting than handmade Japanese swords. If that's your thing, the price is cheap, and it turns out real..go for it.

There is a thread or article somewhere on this forum somewhere about this. I could be mistaken, but I seem to remember that it was general practice after a battle for a team to go out and collect weapons. I don't think there was any negative aspect to it, it was routine and part of the battle strategy. I suspect it was a vital part of the cleaning up after a battle and done with the collecting of the bodies etc.

Unpolished Jumonji yari don't fetch big money, as the cost of polishing is prohibitive. This one is very rough. But they are popular, and most of us love them. Shipping is however always a hue problem. I'd have a wild guess at this being worth around $1000 to $1200 at a rough guess.

Pretty sure this IS a Showato, yip. And is illegal in Japan.