hearthammer

Jean, I have repeatedly asked the guy for pics of the other blades. In disciption, he tells me one is a severely hooked dagger. Another is an old Tanto with very well defined hamon. His father has held onto a high quality polished violet Katana. The seller is a coworker. He has invited me over repeatedly to look at the others. If I take him up on the invitation, I will be sure to post pics. To answer your earlier question, the one that I bought was the only one for sale and the only one I saw.

I appreciate the feedback from everyone. I was taken for $250 bucks. I will confront my friend with this info and see how he responds. I was told by a collector that the hamon was faded and it appeared the blade had been incorrectly polished at some point. As Stephen said, I will learn and move on. Thanks again all, Eric

Well this sucks! Sincerely, Eric

At what point was it popular for the Japanese to be taken by Chinese knock offs? I know the individual that I bought it from quite well. He had no need to lie about it. He is in posession of the other 4 blades that his grandfather took from the pile. I can give you the sailor's name if that would help. Consider for a moment that this blade was worn by a Japanese officer. It is my understanding (and signs of it can be seen on the tang) that some blades had to be shortened to meet Japanese military specs. Forget the possibility that it may be a Chinese made blade. I still want to know what the Mei says.

I have recently acquired an old Wakizashi Blade confiscated at the end of WWII. The featured piece was one of 5 Salvaged from a pile of swords and other weapons at the Japanese surrender to the Pacific Fleet. As it happened the sailors were each given their pick of 5 and this was one of the five chosen by one such sailor. I have always had a passion for Japanese Fuedal history and the cultural that was developed around the Samurai Sword. Now I own a piece of such history and would like to learn more about where this piece fits in. I have attempted to translate the signature but with little success. the most I could determine was that it was from Yamato Province. I do not wish to sell it. I simply wish to increase my knowledge of it. It was reputed to belong to a Japanese officer but it seems to pre-date the war so I wonder if it is a family blade that was passed down. Can anyone help me to learn who might have made it and how old it is. It will help me decide whether to restore it for myself as a show piece or whether to have it proffessionally restored. https://imageshack.com/i/eyh75Mmwj https://imageshack.com/i/f0fSltdqj https://imageshack.com/i/f0ltUKJ4j https://imageshack.com/i/exX0cvcYj https://imageshack.com/i/pdj3I4tdj I can take other pics if necessary to clarify a particular image. It should be noted that I have done nothing to it. The first 2 pics were an attempt to enhance the images using contrast and various filters. The orange coloration seems to be wax or possibly crayon in another's attempt to decipher the writing of the signature. Any help in this matter would be greatly appreciated.