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Hi folks - I am just getting back into the swing of things, but at broad glance I see no issues with this lijima. Trusty experts on this team always and faithfully set me straight (educate me) Pics attached. I am trying to avoid swimming in "the BAY" until I get my sea legs back, if you know what I mean ... there are sharks in those auction waters! I am reviewing older posts and Steve's reviews. For this sword, Pics attached - look forward to comments/opinions. Dan

When I saw the sword in the display attributed to General Yamashita, the attached Getty photo immediately came to mind. For a sword attributed to a well-known general, why would the Sarute be removed? Anyway - I inquired about the collection and recently heard back from the museum curator. He admitted they do have a much more expansive collection (not further defined) but do not display the swords due to space constraints. They are considering a "digital display" in the near term under the archives section of the website. Dan https://www.macarthurmemorial.org/27/Museum

Hi folks. I have a dated, color photo book (coffee table size) on the Pacific War which offers photos of a significant collection of showa period swords. The photo attributes the swords to the "MacArthur Collection." I had heard some stories in old reference works that the General had a fair number of Japanese swords (not shocking to me). I finally made a trip back to the museum this past Fall ... but was disappointed in the displays. There were only 4 swords displayed in the entire museum (which, by the way, is quite large). Three of the swords are attributed to famous generals (Togo and Yamashita) You will notice in the photos it says that the sword is "reported to have" belonged to Yamashita. I have my doubts (... just an opinion). I apologize for the quality of photos - hard to take good shots with my phone and the glass case. Dan

Steve - the seller finally responded to my questioning of his sword (https://www.ebay.com...4YAAOSw-QxcMDQz) a few minutes ago ... he said nobody else sent him a note that questions the authenticity of the sword. So, there you have it - interesting. They took 4 days to respond to me ... action ends in 4 hours. Dan

I sent the seller a note saying, "this looks like a rough reproduction, has anyone else contacted you expressing the same concerns?" - Dan

I'm back (!!) and reading some old posts. I have been off the grid a long while because of business demands on my time/travel (...and 4 sons with continual challenges). I expected 2 things to be a guarantee - First - fakes getting better, and I always enjoy reading Steve's educational posts and Bruce's superb commentary ... makes me a smarter man Second - the price of swords continues to rise (not that I have ever seen the price of military antiques drop) ...and I have been collecting a long time Dan

Gents - Quantico, Va is home to US Marine Corp training, and also home to the National Museum of the Marine Corps. If you are ever in the area of Washington DC, I feel this museum is a "must see." The sections of the museum are sorted by periods of history and many are period vignettes that one walks thru in order to experience the time of battle (Belleau Wood being the most interesting). Anyway, there are several Imperial Japanese swords scattered throughout the WW2 section. I have tried to include a few photos. I think the most intriguing item is a NCO sword with clear bullet damage - donated by the actual veteran who brought sword home. Photos attached. Last photo is of the Flag that was raised in the famous photo on Mt Suribachi, Iwo Jima.

For the newer collectors in the NCO realm, i find this particular thread an invaluable read and learning experience ... there are always new wrinkles and discoveries in this hobby. Thank you ALL for your posts/comments and I thank Guy for sharing the sword.

Agree with others ... had to study it for a bit, since it is not an obvious reproduction - but at the end of the day, it has issues!

Bruce - Great question and I look forward to any responses! I am just starting to seriously study the late war NCOs. I put my early emphasis on getting smart with the early (copper/aluminum) patterns. I think the late war swords offer a separate set of collecting challenges for the novice (just my humble opinion). Dan

This sword I shared with Steve (this thread) is a very good knowledge test - the goofy belt hanger (Bruce references) made me discount the sword immediately, but on closer look (my opinion) the stamps are a bit better than the other, cheaper fakes out there on the market. I think it's always worth spending the extra time to study these "high end fakes/copies" because they are getting better. Referencing Carlo's post from last year, I also used to collect some German (for MANY years) and was quite confident in my ability to spot fakes, but I admit the quality is now off the charts (especially helmets) and it forced me totally out of that hobby. I am extremely thankful for the help/knowledge shared in this forum. Dan

Fake - I decent one, but a fake. I'm still a relative novice so decided to study the photos BEFORE reading the other posts of the more seasoned members, but I have been studying my references so as Steve implies, it's a good exercise and training ... I appreciate you sharing this sword! Dan

Hi Corry - Good stuff. The Fuller & Gregory reference is decent, but you will hear a lot of learned collectors on this forum make reference to Jim Dawson's book, "Swords of Imperial Japan - 1868 - 1945." It's not cheap, but I found it to be well worth the investment. There are two chapters in the book that focus specifically on NCO swords, and the information is extremely well laid out - - reading Dawson's makes me MUCH more comfortable swimming with the ebay sharks, and as someone once warned me about ebay in this way: "You have to be comfortable swimming with the sharks, or get out of the water! " Dan

Hi all - thanks for the feedback and opinions! ... I really appreciate it. Toryu - I have requested the additional photos of the nakago. The owner is on travel, but said he would send me the additional photos on Monday. I will certainly share what I get as an update. As it stands, I don't have a confident feeling. Dan

Raymond/Stephen - thanks for your quick replies! .... the signature provided via Stephen's link looks a bit different that I provided in the photo. Is that a cause for pause/alarm? Stephen - I don't think there was a date - but I have sent an inquiry back to make sure. Thank you - Dan

post-script: I apologize I left off this clarification; I AM A COLLECTOR ... not a dealer or commercial entity. I am a long time collector of Orders and medals who decided to dive into this new adventure as part of a new, potential passion. I thought this sword was attractive ... I like the leather saya, but ... as stated above, I have a lot to learn. I am still reading my new references

Hi Guys - I am pretty new here and have been learning a lot, but I have a ways to go. I have been recently offered a katana by a long distance acquaintance. He is a militaria dealer/collector, but his specialty is NOT nihonto, nor kitanas from WW2. He collects them on the side. So, he offered me this shin-gunto and claims that the blade is old ... possibly 1600s. He is an honest person, but of course that doesn't mean his assessment is correct. He emailed me several photos. I am struggling with the translation. I am thinking it may be Sukenao, but that's all I can figure out from the attached pictures ...and I believe there were at LEAST two smiths by that name (at least) - - AND again, I am not sure I am correct on what I "think" I figured out on my own So, I am asking for help ... opinions on if this sword is legitimate, and what period it was crafted? I greatly appreciate any comments, wisdom, advice and guidance on this matter! Thank you, Dan S.

Wow - thanks for the additional comments. Bruce - that's something I certainly didn't know about or consider. I was impressed by the overall condition, compared to other recent Type 95s I had monitored ... that's why it caught my attention in the first place. Dan

Hi guys - Obviously I have A LOT to learn, and I GREATLY appreciate you taking the time to share your knowledge with me with the responses. I will do better with my terminology and post locations going forward - rookie mistake! I will be patient. ... I look forward to learning more. Dan

Hi Guys - I'm new here .. I am a long time collector of other militaria but have slowly gravitated to the nihonto path. I don't have a Dalton's (it's a pending gift from my wife) but have several of the lesser reference books and I enjoy studying sword trends and reading A LOT on the net, and studying sales. My google searches often bring me to a discussion/link involving you folks ... so I figured I needed to join .. and I am glad I did! Of course I thought I was reading posts for 20 minutes this morning, and my wife reminded me it was 2 hours Anyway - Patience is a key virtue as I study these trends, but I hope you will permit me to get an "itch scratched" and ask about this type 95 NCO: http://www.ebay.com/itm/263000544534?_trksid=p2055359.m1431.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT It is item number: 263000544534 - if the link doesn't work. I have been looking at these for a few months, and this one attracts me due type and quality of condition (mainly the % paint intact). I believe I purchased an item from this gent a while ago and was pleased. I have a small concern over the serial stamp on the scabbard. There is a nice photo of it - It's a matching number, but it just seems "different" from most stamped scabbards I have witnessed. That said - I know I don't have nearly the history of studying these patterns like the folks on this site, so I value your opinions and thoughts!