Rick Nigh

A Chinese sword that makes insulting referece to H. Tojo. Who'da thunk it? Based on overall patina and workmanship I wouldn't be suprised if the sword was from the late '20s. (Taisho 18 = Showa 3? 1929?) It's not modern damascus, but in the right light you can see the faint striations from the folded steel. It IS quite sharp. The blade needs just a bit of clean up and polish. (I will be getting a proper kit to do that, I'm not a complete barbarian after all.) It should make a better wall hanger than the average "Flea Market Special" It may not be an authentic katana, but I find it interesting none the less. Thank you all for your assistance. I will be sure not to pass it on as authentic.

Thank you all for your prompt, if somewhat disappointing replies. I joked with my wife when I bought the sword that the incriptions probably said something along the lines of "Someone Went to Edo, and all I got was this lousy sword." For a fake, it does seem to be quite well made, and I do believe it's from the Taisho era. I don't think I'm going to be melting it down for scrap just yet. Can anyone tell me what the incriptions actually do say?

I recently purchased a "Gen-U-Wine" World War II Katana from a pawn shop. It seemed to be authentic Japanese manufacture, Folded steel, and quite good shape for the shape it was in. The sword has a wooden scabbard, with both side tools present. The fittings and furnishings are brass or bronze, with what I thought was some polishing on some of the high points. The Tsuba is square and unpierced. The overall motief on Tsuba and furnishings is dragons. What I thought was some high spot burnishing on the dragon limbs and a few other details looks, upon closer inspeciton to be gold leaf. There are inscriptions on both of the side tools, and of course the tang. I have been able to decipher the glyphs for "Taisho" and what I think is the date of Taisho 10. Any assistance from the forum would be greatly appreciated.