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..and I didn't have to hold my breath long! .. I got this immediate response (below). I don't resonate with the travel reference. I travel to Spain a lot, but I'm no expert in Lladro … I just like the country New message Thank you, Another person gave a completely different maker. The tang goes from 1400's back to the 5th Century. The last person gave a maker and my tang on my sword is no comparison. I sent the writing of my tang to business associates in Japan that will know better then any of including history books. I'm quite familiar with WW2 Samurai Swords and this sword has easy to see non comparison to WW2 Katana swords. I've had many WW2 Katana from hand forged to factory made with batch numbers. Thank you for your information. But I travel to many countries for my organization and Japan is one of them quite often. By tomorrow I will have exactly what my sword has written on both sides of the tang. I find humor in the last two Katana swords I sold, one being signed, the other factory made. The signed sword no one questioned, which I feel the translation was not correct, and a factor made batch numbered sword was a no brainier. Tomorrow will tell me everything when my associates reply. Reply

Thanks for the quick feedback! (and SteveM's response had me falling out of my chair laughing with the Ebay comment !! ) You verified some of my thoughts! (on period of manufacture!). I can't assume this seller is trying to deceive, even though he (she) is being presumptuous and using an extremely poor choice of words to describe the sword! I offered the feedback on the exact translation and (once again) suggested he post a full picture of the tang (for starters) if he wants anyone to bid. I didn't get into the value of the sword, but I suggested he update his posting with an addendum and attribute it to "ebay member." I don't think it's appropriate to mention this forum to an ebay seller without permission, so I just told him I got feedback from "several sources" …. Now, I will hold my breath to see if he updates the listing, I just hope I don't pass out! …. Oh, and I did tell him it's not "super rare"

Folks - So this listing of a sword caught my attention. It is not my sale nor my interest to bid on it, but I am teaching my son about collecting militaria and I have shared that when folks throw around the term "rare" - be cautious! I noticed right away the mix of modern and dated koshirae, if I state that correctly. Late war saya, etc. From studying my references and listening to you good folks, I know right off the start that a photo of the full tang is most helpful. I am really curious how the seller came up with the time frame of when the sword was produced, as he does not offer further definitions of the blade, nor translation of signatures. I did email seller, and he said he does not know the translation. He used to travel to Japan for business and a friend gave it to him years ago, and shared when the sword was made. So, the facts are sketchy, but I don't know this seller and for some reason, I don't think he is trying to deceive. I believe (hope) that I offer him more detailed feedback on his sword, that he will append his listing appropriately (at least share the update). I'd like to be helpful in offering a more accurate depiction of what he is trying to sell, as appropriate.... to qualify "super rare." https://www.ebay.com/itm/c1400s-1500s-Super-Rare-Japanese-WW2-Sword-Signed-On-Both-Sides-Of-The-Tang/153414828494?hash=item23b83c81ce:g:PW8AAOSwuG9ciWQG It appears that it may be a gendaito … from my novice eyes and "not great" photos ...opinions? If he provides me additional photos or insights, I will be happy to pass along to you. Thanks or your help and any shared interest on this one. Dan

Oh yes - timeline and age certainly makes more sense!

Wow - fascinating and THANK YOU everyone for the commentary and history. What is most intriguing, if I have this information correctly (?) is that he started at a VERY young age, and would have forged this sword as a young apprentice?!? I guess one can assume the quality of the sword can be limited by that level of experience, compared to the older smiths. This places him at age 14 when he joined OKS forging studio. Very interesting to me. I really appreciate this thread. Thank you George, Jean, David, Jinsoo .. very good info. Dan

Hi guys - I have a Kai Gunto that I am wondering if you can assist me on. I can’t find a reference for the smith, and I am struggling to translate beyond the “no shu seki Ju” and “forged this” at the end of signature ... help please! Also a note, just above the mei is a faint stamp. I blew up the pic (the power of iPad photo) and was able to discover the “Tan” stamp, which I guess reinforces the fact that this is gendaito. Pics attached. I welcome any comments/corrections to my limited progress in trying to translate this! Thanks in advance for any assists! Dan

Hi everyone - Some of you have probably already noticed the Copper NCO for sale at a popular electronic website named after a partially enclosed body of water. It captures my attention for discussion and learning because it looks like a good sword in may regards, but what throws me off is the iron (1) Tsuba (I thought they were all brass on these variants, but am easily wrong) … and (2) the drag on the scabbard (but I assume it is mis-matched), and to be fair the seller isn't claiming they are matching serial #, so …. . Hoping to get opinions of Steve and others, just to broaden my education! Dan https://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-COPPER-HANDLE-WW2-Japanese-NCO-OFFICERS-SWORD-WITH-SCABBARD/401718269400?hash=item5d884655d8:g:eCIAAOSwBsxceACl:rk:1:pf:0

Very neat pick-up! ... I need a dad like that!

Hello everyone, You may have seen this period photo before, but I always enjoy looking at it. So many variants in one formation! It would be interesting to know what year this photo was taken. Have a good day. Dan ps - be careful sharing photo, I don't own it. I believe it's a pinterest post.

We can ask him to change his Ebay ID to "Sea Monkey 42" .... (Sea monkeys have a dark history for those old enough to remember )

I did my part to report the Monkey! ... Easy to do, half way down on right side. I agree - if enough folks complain, then perhaps Ebay will realize the trend and do something. ... Maybe?

Nice one - thanks for sharing Neil !

HI Yurie ... I am a novice with a lot to learn. I am enjoying your site ... thank you for taking all the effort to put it together! I look forward to more. Dan

Stegal's posts have me thinking about something; In reference to the minefield that is EBAY and "bad items," ... I think there are two types of folks on the dark side; 1. Those who sell out of ignorance. Yes, they may be out to just make $$$, but they are generally pickers, pawn brokers, etc... who probably don't know what they have, or make assumptions in their listing (throwing around the term "Rare" is my favorite). Sometimes one can send an email to these folks and their integrity kicks in. I had one seller actually post my comment (for all to see) when I questioned the legitimacy of his item as listed ! (it wasn't a sword, but a uniform item) .. He admitted his possible error and apologized! 2. Those who sell out of nefarious greed. They know what they have and they are openly into deception in order to achieve $$$. They are not open to criticism. I am not new to ebay, and I am a LONG time militaria collector, but I am new to swords and so with all the knowledge here I feel like a toddler on this forum at times, always learning - but I am tremendously grateful I found you guys and this site. So my QUESTION: How do we know who to avoid on a site such as the Ebay? I know through closely following elements of this site that there are issues with two (2) regular sword sellers on the bay (listed in this thread). For one of those sellers, his stuff looks ridiculous and I am smart enough (on my own) to avoid. The other seller seems to have a mix/match of good and less-than-good stuff, and a novice buyer would be none the wiser. I don't want to break any rules .... I don't know if there are other openly deceptive sellers on the ebay, and I know the purpose of this forum is NOT to openly disparage or be unfairly critical of others. I try to go back and study old threads on this site, but there is A LOT of stuff posted. If there is an old thread that I should read on this topic, I'd be thankful if someone can point me on that path! Cheers, Dan

Guys - thanks for all the feedback and the education! I appreciate it and will avoid. Dan

.wow ..the samurai monkey doesn't seem like a pleasant dude!... or dudette. Steve/all - as a follow-on to this theme, is the attached also one of those high-end copies out of Poland? ... or a put together/paint job? The fuchi bothers me. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Japanese-WW2-WWII-Army-NCO-Sword-With-Matching-Scabbard-Excellent-Blade/202589197885?hash=item2f2b41d63d:g:VSwAAOSw3K1cWf8o:rk:3:pf:0 Dan

Gents - I am still learning and navigating the Kyu-Gunto minefield and appreciate the above commentary. Another Type 19 (field grade) just popped onto the Bay and I am sharing the link. The nakago looks better than the previous. The noted gap between the guard and habaki is perplexing to me ... you think it's yet another example of a put-together? thanks - Dan https://www.ebay.com/itm/PRE-WWII-Japanese-ARMY-FIELD-GRADE-OFFICER-TYPE-19-KYU-GUNTO-COMBAT-SWORD/202584416729?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2055359.m1431.l2649

Wow Bruce - that's what I call a PROJECT(!!) , and an interesting post-war point!

Thanks Grey and Ray for quick response, and great points!!! - I'll avoid. Bruce - no, not showa22, but I can't help notice that the seller may have leveraged (used) some of showa's language in describing Kyū-Guntō. Here is link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/WWII-K49-Japanese-MEIJI-ARMY-OFFICERS-GUNTO-SWORD-SAMURAI-HAND-FORGED/153338700401?hash=item23b3b2e271:g:3osAAOSw6CRcO39p:rk:21:pf:0 The seller seems to focus on general estate/antique sales .. so perhaps not necessarily openly trying to deceive, but who knows. Thank you again guys - great learning experience. Dan

Gents - I humbly request a translation on this tang. This field grade Kyu-Gunto is for sale and I am mulling it over carefully. I am surprised at how short the tang is. I appreciate your thoughts and opinions. Dan

I saw this one for sale and was curious about that finish on the scabbard ... I spent 90 min digging around and couldn't find a reference for that type of finish on the scabbard, but I admit it looks nice, and in beautiful condition. Great addition to your collection!

Also, there is this particular sword for sale that caught my attention for a few seconds. Due to the poo photos, I was actually ignorant enough to think it might be a copper, until I saw there was a drag and a machine screw in the handle. I am sharing because the seller sent me a much better pick of the Fuchi (attached). Serial number range is another issue. https://www.ebay.com/itm/202575490435?ul_noapp=true Dan

Thanks for sharing! ... in my humble opinion, if you don't plan to get many swords, get one (or a few) that are solid examples! The edged up serial numbers are a real detractor in my book. Dan

thanks for the sanity check!

Great feedback on Yamashita - I have not seen the West Point display!