Sansei

Okay, Bruce. I understand what you are getting at now. Thanks.

So, am I understanding that you don't believe the seller's description Bruce? "This is a genuine WWII-era exterior mount (koshirae) of the Type 98 Gunto, the standard sword issued to Imperial Japanese Army officers. The blade is a non-sharpened wooden substitute, likely inserted after the war to avoid confiscation during the Allied sword collection." This seems plausible to me. Why would a post-war, confiscation-era tsunagi be dated?

"Sorry that this turned out to be a big waste of time for you guys." Nicholas, since you received some good advice along the way to your decision, it was not a waste of time.

"Late-war Wooden Blade". If this is an accurate description, I'm not sure that I understand the "joke" Bruce.

I have had some interaction with Robert Hughes and would recommend him (and his spouse) highly. They are in Kamakura.

Good idea Luke. You may get more feedback on the signature and other characteristics of your purchase. At some point if the question of papering (shinsa) and/or polishing is suggested for your sword, you can evaluate the costs involved. Seems like a good starter piece at least.

Michael, I am not familiar with that website. On some websites and auctions the seller(s) may not know the difference(s) between authentic Japanese and "other" swords. You may want to let the vendor know that this is not an authentic Japanese sword. If they actually DO know, then I would avoid this website.

Just below this listing is another one for just the Fuller-Gregory book alone......$316.

I am just a tad above a "novice" and this blade would not have gotten any interest from me. Does not look like a genuine wakizashi all things considered. A person would have to be a total little-to-no knowledge beginner.

Very tempting purchase......

Just wondering if, generally, items like these are ever papered?

Thanks Peter. I bookmarked this link .

I shop at Goodwill sometimes and have found some bargains (not blades). This seems like it was an honest mistake.

On a recently restored Kiyondo blade and saya, I am having the Tanobe Sayagaki done. This katana is returning from shinsa Tokubetsu Hozon. I thought that an additional investment of $250 would be reasonable. Any thoughts?

Thanks, Dan C. The one for $1300 is impressive. I think I would be interested in something like that one or the other for $360. I had a deer hunter friend who kept all of his antlers piled up in his storage. Should have bought a couple from him and had a kake or two made.