Alan62

I agree with Rich I personaly do it because I like holding The emplements that lead the course of history in the many directions it has been. I also collect things other than swords that I feel have been instremental in my heritage, that to me are also works of art like guitars and also many other things. Funny Story I bought a Spanish American War Fore and Aft Hat with its insignia and in the original Carrying case and my girlfriend said "What are you going to do with that?" and I replied "I am going to look at it" Those of us that are, as Rich said collectors ,will understand how heartfelt and profound such a simple reply was Edited to say My girlfriend and I have been on again off again for 4 years so much more to say I agree with Rich

Almost forgot to ask ,Is there anything I should do to help preserve the skin on the Sacabbard? It seems to be fine but does it need to be oiled or anything like that? Thanks Again

Thank You Stephen and Rich

Thank You Brian, Can you tell me anything about this type sword? Am I correct in thinking it a NCO Colony type and also the flower on the side of the hilt with the petals hanging down does that represent the Korean Colony? Any additional info would be greatly apreciated Thanks

I forgot to say I was given this today by a friend and business partner that is 52 years old.He knew I collected swords and just had it laying around and decided to let me have it He said that it belonged to his fathers and he used to get in trouble for pulling it out of Dads closet and playing with it when he was a kid. The only reason I wanted to point this out is to let yall know that it has at least 40 years of verifiable age. My business partner had made mention of the sword to me and told me about his childhood mischief before today but I just never took a look at it , but today he came by and said "Here why don't you keep it" and I said Thank You and gave him an acoustic guitar . Anyway I just wanted to add all that Again Thanks for any information or comments

I was amazed by the material covering the scabbard,I thought it was some kinda printed sticker material but under a jewelers loupe it is actualy some kind of skin.I welcome any comments Thanks

Thank You

I just wanted to add that the Tsuru in the picture is not as white as it appears ,for those of you familiar with Raku pottery it is crackle white

It is on a hand thrown vase that is Raku fired and has a Tsura motiff. It is likely a contempory piece but it is very beautiful and pretty large it stands about 18 inches high and 8 inches across the top.I realize the signature stamp is very hard to see but I thought perhaps someone may have seen something similiar Thanks

Thank all of you that helped me figure some things out about my sword and for those who are interested here is a link to it's auction http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0078813847

Thank You Brian, That is what I will be selling it as , I will be listing it on ebay this evening and will post a link as well. Edited to add this link http://militaria.co.za/nihontomessagebo ... =5088#5088 Thank you for a wonderful website .I need to spend a lot more time around here and in some books before I make another Japanese purchase as There is so much to learn Alan

Here are pics of the whole sword,It appeaars to have sharkskin on it Something that seems odd to me is that there is no sword hangers on the scabbard.

When you refer to it as mass produced ,does that mean it is not a WW 2 Weapon ? Edited to say I found info on what you meant by mass produce ,meaning mass produced Mei, I appreciate you folks patience with a novice in Japanese weapons and thank you all for the input

Thank you all for the additional information,Here is another pic of the full tang

Thank you so Much Stephen, any chance you might be able to help me identify more about this smith ? I have done a search and turned up very little . The signature is on a blade I purchased today at an antiques show . The dealer claimed that it had come from the estate of a WW2 veteran that was also a friend of his. I will post more pics of the entire blade soon Thank You again