David Flynn

Australian Dawn Service, not Austrian.

You have just opened a can of worms. According to Chris Bowen, they are not traditionally made swords. I believe they are true Nihonto and they have been known to achieve NBTHK Hozon Kaneisho.

Shingunto, is just the name of the mounts.

With only that photo, you'll still have trouble identifying it.

You could do a lot worse.

As this sword came with a Hozon paper, then the cost of Shinsa was included in the price you paid.

(Seki) Kanenori, Showa Year 19 first month.

Aoi Art, as well as anyone, do your homework first.

Seriously Steve, you should study Nihonto terms and spelling.

Depends, if you never intend to sell it, then do as you like (new saya). However, if you intend to sell down the track, then leave as found.

As far as I'm aware, he only made Showato.

Please show as many photos as possible. You wont get much info on just one photo of a screw.

Welcome Mark, Your question on Gendaito, is one I've had many discussions on. My take on this is, the Gendai period unfortunately contains WW2. During this time, many swords were made as expediently as possible, without sacrificing effectiveness. Now saying that, there were many special order Gendaito made during the war. Of course the top Smiths generally made higher quality swords, though even these smiths did some "Rush Jobs". The Gendai Period leading up to Sino Japanese war (1937-19450, also produced generally higher grade swords. One of the main tenets of Nihonto collecting is, each sword should be judged on it's own merit. This is also one of the main stumbling blocks, for new collectors. The only answer to this is, Study! Books are essential, however, the biggest learning experience is to actually handle swords and then, preferably, having someone who is able to explain what you're looking at. Good luck with your journey, hopefully you can find someone who'll help guide you.

Steve, if you read the post correctly, this sword was sold years ago.

You may call me, Mr Flynn.

Dawson and Fuller & Gregory, only comment on Military swords and mostly the mountings. The books you need are: The Conisseurs guide; Facts and Fundermentals; the Craft of the Japanese sword; Fujishiro; Nihon to Koza and Slough.

When Yoshikawa Sensie, came to Oz for the Shinsa in 2009, the team had left their copies of Fujishiro behind and had to borrow a set. So, even the Shinsa teams, use books.

My dealings with Michael cummins is, I sent a special order Nobufusa (Brother to the Horse prize sword) and it came back ruined, there was a major dip in the Ji and the Ha. So from my point of view my dislike is warranted.

I've spoken with Mike. Unfortunately, he doesn't have access to a computer at present. Could we please hold off on closing this for a couple more days?

I would vote for Shinshinto. Maybe shinto.

The difference between the two Oshi is like chalk and cheese.

There is an experienced collector in Indonesia. His name is Donny Winardi. I suggest you look him up on FB and have a Chat.

Gassan Sadakazu goes for big money. Polished and papered, they go for US20k +. He even had a sword go Juyo. If a dealer has a sword like this without papers, He knows it's Gimei. Don't forget, there 's no friends in Business.

Thanks Brian, this person (being nice, Thinking of another P word) and his mentor have been causing problems for a very long time. Both have added to the demise of the Sydney Collecting scene.