Corry

The best part is that it's in much better shape than the first one I bought (which is in great shape..matching etc, but is missing ~90% of the paint on the scabbard). The scabbard has matching numbers and has 90%+ of its original paint, as well as no dents. It costs $230 less as well.

I am having a hard time getting a good, up close shot, but the stamp on the far left is Suya.

The whole process of finding, authenticating and acquiring WWII Japanese NCO swords (at the best price) is becoming an obsession. Here is a very recent addition:

Thank you all for helping me out on this! I picked up, "Military Swords od Japan," by Fuller and Gregory and it has a lot of good info. Since I may be purchasing more swords down the road; Is there anywhere that I can find a serial number index that gives year produced etc? I haven't been able to find one in the book or online.

Hi all, I am a newbie to collecting WWII Japanese swords. I just purchased my first one and want the opinion of some that are more knowledgeable than myself. There are some excellent reproductions out there and I want to make sure. I purchased the NCO sword in the pictures from ebay (I know a dangerous place for a newbie) for US $800. I think a bit on the high side, but am OK with the price as long as it checks out. The seller was located in the US and seemed legit and the details on the sword and scabbard look fine. What do you think? Thanks in advance!