shonkz

Jean, Thanks for the reminder. Pete S.

Thank you kind sir~

Just found this sword on-line. Translation will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Rokujuro, I totally agree with you. Not to tune my own horn but I donated three of my swords in the past to individuals and charity. Another one I traded for another historic artifact. Yeah, getting a sword for a good deal has its perks but I think it is more significant to appreciate the swords as they are. I guess there were people who were more reckless in the past and I understand that sanpai members here wanting to continue the sacred tradition.

KM, Here's the same sword with a little polish. It is in a better lighting, but the quality of pic is still bad. Pete

Hi KM, I took the comments as they are. I hope you realize that I really appreciate this forum because of it. I thought we were having a laugh so no offense taken. It was hilarious to see the comments fly after the cleaning comment. To make myself a little better, I usually collect ww2 sword relics from Japan and Germany. My dad was born in Japan in 1940 and my wife's side of the family fought on the Soviet side. This is perhaps my seventh Japanese sword and I guess always enjoyed the historical significance over artistic elements. Having said that, I appreciate the swords displayed at the Met, Tokyo museum, or Cambridge, MA, etc. whenever I visit them. Yes, I have been more of a lurker than a contributor on this particular forum and I understand that some people feel that they have....let's say more 'ownership' in the hobby. So be it. I personally would not ask what others would do with their swords, but whatever. Hey, really appreciate your perspective and concern KM. Cheers. Pete

Could be flood damage - picked up from Jersey shore. People are classy down hia. Fugetabouit.

Here is another attempt to load a pic.

Thanks guys. Busting chops really makes me feel like a part of the community. Really appreciated it. I will keep the sword as it is since it looks like it was shortened/manipulated at some point anyway. I actually like the way it looks... as it is. It is not a copy and I can chop some wood with it. Just kidding.

Thanks. Well, the handle pretty much disintegrated when I removed the replacement leather covering. Scabbard is lacquered but cracked in various areas. There is tsuba but not right for this blade. As for what I would do with this sword? I am not sure yet. Maybe practice sharpening? Pete

Picked up a project sword today. Told it was a mumei but when I looked closer, there was a hint of kanji. Not much, but something. It may not be discernible but wanted to put this out to get your perspective. Any input will be appreciated. Was told that this was a 'pilot sword'. Blade is about 14 inches long. Picked up for less than 400 bucks. Thanks so much. Pete

Thank you Matt! I googled and found that he made low grade showato. Pete

Is the first character Mori? Pete

Pic reduced Pete

Friend of mine sent a pic with high pixel of a tang with mei. Even with cropping, it would not fit, so I am uploading each characters. It's three character in all. Thank you for your help. I will attempt to reload....sorry about this...Pete