dwmc

Fair enough Fish...would still love to take a look at the nakago though!

I agree with John, way overpriced for condition. However, definitely a (been there) relic. Interestingly has upgrade same' with Oya-tsubo and appears to be a hand forged older blade. Would like to see the nakago, otherwise maybe $600 top and possibly $900 with signed Shin Shinto or older blade.

Same sword shop...Yes. Dave M.

Dan, I don't know if your sword could be considered a fake. As I mentioned others would have a definite opinion. Stephen and the others have studied Japanese swords for many years and are quite expert. It seems when your type of sword shows up occasionally, it goes automatically to the Chinese fake category, which may be perfectly true. For some reason it seems true Nihonto enthusiast are repulsed by your particular type sword. The term Island sword is a bit of a misnomer and is sometimes loosely used to describe what may possibly be a crude sword made in one of the Island chains Indonesia, etc. These swords have been kicked around many times on the board with some very convincing debates from all sides. In reality we will probably never know the origin of your sword. I myself am a bit perplexed by these crude (whatever they are) and curious as to who would take the time to pound out something attempting to resemble Japanese type sword. Probably unrealistic but maybe try and follow it back to previous owners for info... Tryston (@Bangbangsan) may have idea of what your sword is, he seems to have knowledge of the non-Japanese swords... Best regards, Dave M.

Interesting, a peg hole after all! Hope you didn't damage it in the process of removal. I would still maintain it is not Chinese but Island Sword as the tang is rather crude and lacks inscription. However , others may have a different opinion. Dave M.

Hello Dan, Your sword appears to be an Indonesian (Island sword), probably wwll era or earlier. I suspect the handle is attached by some type of adhesive rather than a peg and would be damaged in an attempt to remove it. (I seriously doubt there would be inscription on the tang). Any type of rust removal product would be ok to use. These so called "Island swords" show up occasionally and are definitely not Japanese but are somewhat interesting nevertheless. I'm sure others will share their opinions... Best regards, Dave M.

A wise man believes only in lies, trust only in the absurd, a learns expect the unexpected! (Roald Dahl) Another small example of a seemingly parallel dimension we reside in currently. One only needs to take a brief look around...

Very rare green saya color variation. Appears WWll era. Close to the color shown on Ohmura's Gunto site. Sword is for sale on Ebay presently. Dave M.

Very nice-looking sword Perry albeit tsuka wrap damage and tsuba most likely not original to sword. Judging from the appearance of the nakago patina, yasurime all but worn away, with the mekugi-ana appearing to be drilled rather than punched, I would say Shinshinto, mid 1800's, about the same time period as the koshirae. I would use the same original colored Tsuka Ito were it me... Regards, Dave M.

Someone was selling these on Ebay several years ago. Claimed he had acquired a (shoe box) full. I foolishly bought one and yes, they are indeed extremely fake... Dave M.

@Bruce Pennington @robinalexanderAnother Buckle type Latch...Ebay WW2 Original Former Japanese Army IJA Gunto Koshirae w/ Sword Hanger Chain | eBay Dave M.

Good point Bruce, the strands do appear unusually pristine compared to the rest of the tassel, yet I do notice damage to the (ball) on one side. Although, I can say this with reasonable certainty, color of tassels in photographs is almost never exact, and can be extremely deceiving. Dave M.

Yes, very worn General's tassel! Dave M.

I get your concern Pat! I'm not suggesting a major production meant for the general public, simply a bit more of a show and tell for those members who are unable to attend. I've attended several sword shows and found dealers where extremely cautious whom they allowed to handle their swords... Yet I've also seen an accident or two at shows, even with the experienced! Dave M.

Agreed, Brian's video was a bit lacking for many of us craving additional footage. Yet, I'm sure things were traveling at light speed for Brian waiting for years to attend the show. However, it would be nice in the future, for someone skilled in videography to produce a longer video high lighting the show more extensively. Showing more tables and items for sale, introducing vendors and attendees, possibly displaying some of the most interesting items available... Dave M.

Possible clue.... notice the tassel in jeep44's photo, take note of the tassel ends being folded over and back which lay beneath tassel itself. I submit in most deterioration cases, the tassel threads and ball would fall away yet the folded lanyard would remain intact. A cut tassel would appear severed and would not have the sewn fold back end section. My apologies Bruce for veering off original subject! Best regards, Dave M.

Good example John, my comment implied deterioration was never the case whereas it may certainly be in many situations. I suspect the tassels ends are actually the "weak link" with Japanese sword tassels. I do maintain however in the case of mine and many others do appear to be purposely cut for whatever the reason. This is the fun and yet frustration with collecting and studying Japanese swords how small seemingly insignificant situations such as this occur when there doesn't appear to a definitive answer... Best regards, Dave M.

With all due respect Ian and keeping the subject on the side of not being particularly serious. I still have to side with John as most tassel ends were intentionally cut. If anyone is dreaming it's thinking one or both tassel ends wore out and fell off ... Please! No, it certainly doesn't make sense to most of us, but who knows what one is thinking in the heat of the circumstance. However, definitely a occurrence which shows up occasionally of which we may never know the true answer. Best regards, Dave M.

I've long felt a missing tassel/tassels ends were a result the Japanese officer either purposely defacing the tassel or removing one or both ends as a momento of the sword they were required to surrender. The tassel below is a possible example attached to a Shin Gunto I've owned for many years. Dave M.

Most likely as you suggested, simply a variation of an early Inspector grade sword! Dave M.

I owned a (# 3 Kanetsugu on Mal's list) for several years. The sword was also dated 1944 in Type 3 mountings and had a Gifu stamp. Could never locate much on this particular Kanetsugu, so really appreciate the information above! Dave M.

If I were to own this koshirae holding a beautiful Ayasugi Gassan Sadakaktsu sword with a General's tassel...I wouldn't want "no more." Dave M.

Yes, please post the link! Dave M.

Geez Matt, had I the misfortune of the swords you shared above, I would most definitely be wary also... Dave M.

Nice looking Nobukuni Evan. Yes, as Ray mentioned, it appears the Tsuka has been repaired with replacement same' and tsukamaki. As with Bruce, I'm also curious about your interesting collection. I not only see two upper grade Rinji Seishiki but also a Type 98 gunto. Mind sharing those also ?? Dave M.