MarcoUdin

Never too late, but I agree with Thomas. While the signature appears suspect, the powder ruins the appearance of what the actual cut might be

Genuinely surprised this hasn't sold. Blade in good enough polish, Shirisaya and gunto mounts. I highly doubt any reseller could beat the price.

I replied on the other thread as well. Mon stands for Mokko 木瓜 (Melon), many families used it.

Mon stands for Mokko 木瓜 (Melon), many families used it.

Right you are, I didn't even bother to open the ebay link since the photos were posted. I just recognized the seller by the room setup.

If you're in the Facebook Nihonto group you can message the guy. I believe his name is Raymond Yan, I'm sure he would be up front about what he thinks they are(or are not). Just a thought.

I would argue there is no way of knowing 100%. But if everything fits nice and tight together then I don't see why it can't be war time.

Beautiful mon, I believe its Bamboo or 竹 (take). A sign of purity and nobility, there is a very long history behind it.

Sorry if this isn't the answer you're expecting, but that seller(Eric) is quite informed and prices accordingly. Most likely blade is market value based off it's quality plus dealer markup. In short, I doubt Eric is looking to hoodwink anybody this is his business.

If you're feeling so inclined you can always ask Roger Robertshaw. A Hizen expert or so I've heard.

Mon stands for Mokko 木瓜 (Melon), many families used it.

Don't know anything about the Smith, but from the photos provided looks Shinto, maybe Kanbun or similar. Just my uneducated opinion...

What about during a re-temper? Could that cause them as well?

Agreed you should post this in the for sale section. Also does it have a star stamp under the collar, I believe this was an RJT smith?

On this link Bruce seems to have compiled that same stamp multiple times. Referring to it as wrapped steel method. Seems they've all been found on only Kaneshige blades.

Don't recall the name of the stamp, but it's a patent number referencing the use of Kobuse method. Soft core steel while the outside is hardened.

Just wanted to clarify the smiths name is Kojima Kanenori. And I believe the Kaneshige is not gendaito (traditionally made), at least from the photos provided.

Just realized that was the same sword on a Facebook group, just wanted to mention both Chris Bowen and Ray Singer said it's not Japanese. I know you said you didn't trust the Facebook group, but those two are probably the most credible members in the Nihon-to comunity, and SBG forums definitely doesn't have more to offer than them. Not trying to argue, but no point in trying to call the experts opinions uneducated.

My honest opinion, not Japanese made and made postwar. Looks pretty close to those java swords. Especially since the nakago appears to be unfinished, Japanese would almost never. Also there is no such thing as 'Japanese air soldier gunto tsuba', they would've used the same tsuba as every other gunto. Sounds like a load of dealer talk, much like the tag on that sword. If you had some proof aside from dealers, most people disregard that portion of Fuller&Gregory as being outdated and incorrect. just my 2¢

https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/39152-markus-sesso-gendai-book/#comment-406173

Beautiful blade Neil!

There is no definitive answer to what the 'W' stamp signifies.

I remember seeing that one, it's a beautiful blade. Congrats

I couldn't see the tang but is that the Chikahide Moses had for sale a while back?

He didn't do a full apprenticeship, only partial. The only fully trained togishi in the US is Mr. Hayashi. That being said, I would have no problems sending a blade to Mr. Becerra