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zook

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Everything posted by zook

  1. Ron - I see two issues here from the git-go ... one is a hole drilled in handle, and the retaining screw missing (the other hole), which are not often easily found to replace. As Steve will tell you, there is no real reason to remove the handle .. hence mess with the screw. If you come across an aluminum handle with nice paint retained, and the screw is missing all it's paint, that is something to take note of in and of itself. I see a sword in this condition with screw missing and added damage to handle and I walk away ... UNLESS minimum bid is set at 200.00 dollars (vice 500), then I might ponder it for 5 minutes, but that's just my humble opinion. I reconditioned one sword that was severely rusted and I paid less than 500 for it, but I didn't have to deal with things I couldn't fix (like drilled holes ). Dan
  2. Gents - Thanks for sharing your stories and opinions on this topic - I value your thoughts for sure. Cool stories on the copper! I have decent, matched copper but no provenance ... that Steve and Bruce helped me purchase. Having the history is really cool! I think another factor is $$$. A person buys what one can afford. I also collect other types of militaria and I notice some folks go for an item with some damage, or repairs, etc... simply because it falls within their own realm of affordability ...and I respect that. Just FYI - I was looking for a variation 3 similar to the one on the link below, but I have decided that time (patience) and money is on my side, so I am avoiding (I ignore the garbage knot, etc... attached to it and focused on the sword). It's a mis-matched sword, but serial range isn't too far off. The serial number on sword is 202173, and serial number on scabbard is 202043. Just sharing for awareness:https://www.ebay.com...0?ul_noapp=true
  3. Hello all - I am curious to everyone's general thoughts and opinions regarding matching serial numbers on NCO swords. It's a topic Bruce P. and I recently chatted about. Here is my go at the topic - For most common variations of swords, there are enough of them on the market that I believe matching serial numbers is the way to go for the serious collector. Mis-matched serial numbers significantly impacts value. That said - What about mis-matched serial #s on swords that are much less common? ... like coppers and the (dawson) variation 3 side-latch NCO swords?... especially if the serial numbers are close (within range of 100 or 200 digits?). It's probably a very obvious point that matching serial numbers on rare variations are the preferred way to go and a safer investment, but if a serial number is mis-matched on a rare sword, I can't help but think that marriage between saya and sword was likely done in period, likely at arsenal. Does that impact value? - I am thinking YES, but not nearly as much as the more common variations of swords. I am wondering if our other forum members have other (or similar) thoughts on this matter? (Note: if this has been previously been discussed on a thread I am overlooking, please point me that way ) I hope everyone had a Happy New Years Day ! ! Dan
  4. Thanks Neil! - Your original photo of swords under the tree is classic and tasteful. I showed it to my wife and said it would make a nice, professional looking holiday card to share with friends! .... Her response: "Umm... NO" ... Unrelated side note: The Stegel stand is awesome
  5. wow - Good read. Thank you for the amazing detail work on this one! Dan
  6. Ron - I hear ya on that point … I know the Dawson book runs for 150.00 on Amazon. I think I got mine for 100.00 via one of these forums, just keep checking "books for sale" and one pops up on occasion. It's a good investment if your sword collecting habit is a serious one (IMHO). Dan
  7. Yes, There are several shady dealers out there, but MONKEY is the only one I know that promotes his nonsense with "you-tube demonstrations" of what he is pushing. As Steve alludes to, the way "monkey' treats militaria on his videos is enought to make one run away ...really fast! … it is disgraceful. Dan
  8. 1883 series Naval sword ... looks like the more common 9 leaf design (per Dawson's) which means sword could belong to a petty officer or commissioned officer (non-flag rank) and of course if nakago is signed ... it may have big impact on value. VERY NICE find! …. I have been looking for one like this. Dan
  9. Hey Ron - I am late to the game on this one and CONGRATS on the nice gift from your wife!!!! - a superb present and she dodged the monkey minefield. If she is that supportive, might I suggest that you can tell her an awesome future gift is one of the reference publications (Dawson's or the Fuller & Gregory book). They are informative reads. There is a ton of good references now online and of course this superb team here at the forum, … but when my wife is in the giving mood (rare these days), I steer her towards the reference books OR if she wants to buy a sword for me from a dealer, I cut the deal in advance so it is easy navigating for her. cheers, Dan
  10. Hard to judge indeed ! - what a scary blade , and I would agree with Ron , I would be fooled
  11. I started collecting Prussian/German Iron crosses at the age of 13 .... collected Soviet Militiaria for a while, then to Japanese and ...still some German, but mostly swords/ awards. I guess I am all over the map, but I stick with militaria - Dan
  12. My recommendation - Everything Steve said...and I would add use a GREEN scotch brite when you scrub it .... Green scotch brite pad is what several bladesmiths that I know use to remove scratches from blades (and it works for me). It can be less abrasive then fine steel wool, as you want to take it slow when you remove that new silver stuff. Best of luck on this! If the price was right, I certainly would have gone after it! - so it's not necessarily a bad buy in my book! Dan
  13. I love the short swords with leather sayas... I own two. However, I agree with the comments above and I bought them because I liked the sword - I blow off the stories (marketing) and speculations of usage by pilots or submarine crews, etc..
  14. Interesting quotes on market values, impacts (Trump, etc) . Ebay was a place to buy swords where I didn't have to worry about paying state taxes on purchases. THAT CHANGED (for my state) on July 1st and is significant if one buys high-end items. Dan
  15. Sorry Brian - typo ... Type 94. Yes, ...totally won't shoot mine either, and I can't say it's pretty to look at
  16. Spot on John! ... ... And for the handguns, I have a type 26 revolver that I can't fire because the 8mm round was so unique, nobody manufactures to it, and for my Type 97 Nambu - I am scared to shoot it! ...not just because it tends to go off without pulling the trigger (details, details ... ) ... but because the craftsmanship seems so shoddy. If I were issued that handgun as an officer, I would be disgusted.
  17. Raynor and Ganko's responses take the cake!! -
  18. Deep thoughts! - good references! The historical part is VAST and fascinating, and I am a historian and part time tour guide ...but like Bruce, I normally don't want to digress in this venue . I will share that I get to chat with a lot of young folks (young is a relative term for me), and I am surprised that while many of them are fascinated with WW2, when I pick their brains the knowledge is icing-layer thick. Many young folks bad mouth the Italians and Japanese as war-fighting foes in comparison to the Germans. On the surface - fair point. Let me share an over-simplified set of examples regarding the larger (Japan, Germany, Italy) Axis powers: 1. Arguably both Japan and Italy hit their apex of military success or "boon" in the late 1920s/early 1930s … their own modernizations, if you will ...and if you know Italian military history, those dudes were "spent" by the time WW2 kicked into high gear - many good Italian units were at a morale lowpoint from extended tours in African colonies and the Spanish Civil War (German investment in Spain minimal by comparison). Whereas the German military started ramping up hard in the mid/late 1930s ….one can find reasons where Italian and Japanese military started to stagnate. 2. The Italians and Japanese had very WEAK "S&T" (science and technology advancement) programs overall, in comparison to the Germans and the allies. It goes broader than the sword. There are records showing discussions where they (IJA leadership) did not believe the submachine gun was a worthy investment for future infantry tactics, hence the very limited production and quality. Of course we can argue that they didn't have the economic infrastructure for it …. but, it is what it is - poor S&T on a war that lasts (for Japan) greater than a decade is a recipe for disaster. 3. Japan and Italy had monarchies … Germany did not. It's well known by some that for Italy, the King knew Mussolini had to go, therefore we have the famous imprisonment, rescue and puppet resurrection of Benito. I find that less folks know that Hideki Tojo was given the boot as Prime Minister late in WW2, because he was found to be ineffective, and the Emperor wanted new leadership that could help the country "safe face" in the looming disaster. Too little too late. I am not trying to patronize my fellow forum members or pick a fight, as you folks are probably very familiar with the points I over-simplified in the above, but again … I find it fascinating how many folks think they are learned on the subject, have NO IDEA about these same matters. As WW2 falls into the distant past and veterans die off, I fear all of this stuff (including Nanking, etc..) may fade into the sunset. Ok ...sorry … passionate thoughts that I wanted to share! Dan
  19. A while back, I saw a nice Type 95 with a black saya from a different seller (no emblems or anything messed with, just a black saya) … I avoided it once the bidding became realistic (I would have purchased the sword below value ) - That said, I recall finding some reference for the Type 32 NCO swords where sayas were painted black, but as stated ..nothing for the Type 95. Interesting to note that this seller requires bidders with a minimum of 10 Feedback, I wonder if that's because he is trying to avoid "dubious bidders??" Dan
  20. thanks Brian - didn't come up on my earlier search for some reason and I somehow didn't hit my radar when it initially came out.
  21. Hi folks - I was perusing my wife's "Amazon Prime" account to see what Videos intrigued me, and the video "Forgive Don't Forget" showed up as a new release. Obviously some of you may not have access, but perhaps can view via another means? It's a 70 minute video released in 2018, and I apologize if some of you have seen it …. but it's news to me. It's about returning a veteran captured bring back sword. It is directed by Brad Bennett. Some folks in the video are well known in collecting circles. It's an emotional topic, and I know there are many videos/clips about returning flags, so this was a bit more unique to me. Here is a link with summary. It may be available on YouTube. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2402114/ Dan
  22. I recall seeing this on bayonets (only).... dan
  23. My opinion only - but an NCO sword, as mentioned above is an ideal starting place for several reasons, and roughly within the price range you mention … condition is a big driver with the cost of NCO swords. A superb condition NCO sword now catching over 1,000 USD …. but you can get one in decent shape on the "bay" for less than that. This group can help you vet them out (2nd opinions) if you wish. Dan
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