IJASWORDS

Nice "98 Augusto, it is a very nice and collectible Gunto.

All features look metal, and original WW2. I go with a drip of paint.

I have seen an identical sword from eBay seller KOMONJO, was it one of his?

OK then, what are the chances of eBay forcing the removal of auctions that are clearly fraudulent, ie using descriptions like authentic, samurai, Japanese, tamahagne, when they are blatantly untrue? Surely there is some mechanism to remove these false misleading offers.

Lets face it, any thing of value is being copied by the Chinese. The Chinese ROLEX watches for 20 bucks are so externally perfect, you need to examine the movement to sometimes tell if is fake. Real Rolex prices are always rising, and becoming more desirable. So it is inevitable that fakes will continue and probably grow in number, and in fact may kindle an interest in new collectors, who with study, may desire real NIHONTO. You could imagine that unknowing buyers of fakes may join forums like this, and be enlightened by experienced members. The others who bought swords to cut water melons for kicks are not the type of person who would care if it was fake, as long as it is sharp. So in summary, real NIHONTO collectors are involved in forums, clubs, shows and a circle of like minded collectors. So values won't be trashed, demand for REAL NIHONTO will continue, and it is contingent on all of us to call out the fakes and educate all that will seek advice and listen.

Please don't waste your money on these.

Hi Klaus, photos of ENDO TOMONARI blade attached. Terrible photos, much nicer in the hand.

WOW thanks Klaus, great information. I will post some photos tomorrow.

Uwe, thanks.

Hi John, nice blade! Photos of mine attached.

I have this star stamp gunto. Is the mei ENDO TOMONARO SAKU or ENDO TOMONARI SAKU? Help would be appreciated.

Thanks John, I am sure there are databases somewhere, but attempts to access them has proved difficult. I will keep on trying. Maybe one of our Japanese members could point me in the right direction. On Muto Yukihiro, my blade is really well made, and exciting to have one that was a special order.

I have a sword made by FUKUOKA smith MUTO YUKIHIRO, in '98 mounts, made Spring 1942. The mei also reads "made for KOHARA MASAHIRO". I have been trying to find out information about the officer owner, but all my internet searches are fruitless. Are there any accessible records that I can search? I have tried with out success to find if the YASUKUNI SHRINE, the keeper of the spirits of Japanese killed in action has records, but allas nothing. Help would be much appreciated, as it would be great to attach a human face to this sword.

Call me a cynic, but I have my doubts whether this is totally a WW2 koshirae. The tzuka looks TOO new, and the type3/type0 had two mekugi-ana, the lower one for a metal thread screw, and the top hole for a peg. Looks all too new to me. But, I will stand corrected if some one can prove me wrong.

Good idea, and I vote to leave the prices on there. The prices are as much a piece of historical information as are the descriptions and photos. AND, the prices have been on the forum for the world to see whilst the listing was live any way. I know of examples where the forum is used to price check a similar item for sale. Beats getting posts, "how much is my XYZ worth".

Interesting! Iv'e been into Gunto Koshirae for some years, and never seen one like this. There are definitely some authentic original parts there, but tend to agree with Bruce on new materials on the Tzuka. Also the leather and press studs look new. BUT, nothing surprises me any more with Gunto. Reflecting on the quality of the Saya, it looks purpose made for WW2, and not worth the effort in $$$ terms to to make a recent copy. Nice any way, and worth more study.

Again Hamfish, reading and rereading your attached link, only reinforces my view that RJT made blades with a star stamp, are traditionally made from traditional materials. And agree with David and Brian that MUNE stamps indicate the supply chain through which they traveled.

As requested Hamfish, photos attached photos of my MURAYAMA KANETOSHI. It has a star stamp, and small stamps on MUNE. This is a nice GENDAITO, which in fact David has seen, and highly recomends a professional polish. Hope this settles the confusion.

I have been facing the same problem lately. Every sword I acquired meant some thing to me, and in no way am I tired of them. BUT space and to some extent finances dictates that to acquire any more, I must address both these issues. SO, I set myself a rule, adding to my collection requires me to create a space by at least removing one (or more), and preferably selling or trading part of the collection to enable the purchase to be self funding. The best motivator for this is to find some thing new that you really want, and stick to the rules that free up space and cash.

I am still taken by the minute detail found on some Gunto. This a 1943 "98 MASAYUKI showing clearly the gilt highlighted components, and clearly the two metals (brass and copper applique) on the Kabutogane and Sarute. Probably not high class, but high quality and workmanship for WW2. Gunto stuff took years to be appreciated for what it is, and I for one am thankful some beautiful stuff is being preserved and cared for.

As the famous philosopher Homer Simpson said, "Ah alcohol, the cause and solution of all man's problems". Don't hate yourself in the morning Bruce, I am sure like other members we appreciate your friendship and "love". You are always quick to post your opinions, that promote responses that help us all build our bank of knowledge. As you can see, the Aussie contingent certainly appreciate your fellowship.

Thanks Steve, I will try that.

Bruce, I thank you for your usual charitable and selfless offer to solve my dilemma.

See photos. I have some of the uncommon Iida latch type Guntos and have a question about their differences in design. There are subtle differences in their design and function. No knurling on one, no patent number on another, different hardware used. I was told that the one with no numbers could be a prototype or a manufacture before patents were issued. It may also be from another manufacturer as there are many subtle design differences between the two. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks Doug, clears that up nicely.