Winchester

Does this mean it was mass produced? If so, why would they sign and date it? Thank you

Thomas, Wow! Good eye, I didn't even notice that when I had it apart a few times. It appears to be that symbol; what does it mean?

Tried to get a better/clearer picture. I don't think personally anything was filed/removed, but welcome any feedback.

Bruce,I am happy to do so, but have disassembled three times today and having a bbq with friends now. Will follow up tomorrow morning, brother.

More photos.......

I just tried taking photos of the hamon, but it is very, very light. It's not showing up in photos.

Dang, I just realized picture size limit is for thread not post. I will message you photos of the tang.

More photos, showing some damage to blade I didn't see when I bought it (too excited ).

As a new collector, this definitely has me nervous. Here are some photos I just took.

This is the first sword I purchased in WW2 mounts. It is in OK condition, but sadly wasn't properly maintained over the years. When I bought it, it came with this card. I fully disassembled it yesterday and confirmed it is the same signature on the tang. Here's where I'm at a loss: the seller (at a gun show) told me that it is from 1880's...another person told me 1942. Any thoughts or feedback is really appreciated. Thank you

Are these made in the traditional method? Just amazing. How many do you make per year? Thank you

Thank you everyone for the kind responses. This is most helpful. I have a lot of reading to do.

If there is a link here posted and I missed it, please delete and my apologies. I am a new collector and the lexicon/vernacular is a bit to interpret. I understand it is intermingled with history and that I should start there, but what books would you recommend to a new guy/gal trying to learn more or rather, not speak so inefficiently? I have been using all my available free time for the past few months to learn here, prior to being a member, and just barely got the surface. Any help is appreciated, insults to my ignorance, understood; but all-in-all like to think I'm a nice guy to share a beer with.

As a new collector, I am amazed by the fact there are nihonto from the 1300's that are in this amazing of condition. Thank you for sharing and posting; it is appreciated. The quality, craftsmanship, history, and discourse here is just amazing to this new collector. Thank you, Brian

I hope this is not in poor taste, I am just trying to learn. What does something like this cost? I know price is asked a lot, but I am only trying to understand. Kind regards,Brian

I am a very new collector and think this is awesome; great history. Thanks for sharing.

Really appreciate it, John. Thank you. Buy with confidence from John. Great seller and very kind sharing his knowledge with a new collector. A++++++++!

Thank you but I ended up buying another sword in a for sale post here. Appreciate it though.

I will purchase based on our conversation. Thanks in advance, John.

I am local to you. Please PM me. I have questions, priarily because I am new to collecting. Thank you

Please share more photos of the blade and any areas of concern that you mentioned. I am a serious buyer, starting out. Thanks in advance.

If someone was planning to set aside around $10K, what would be the best bang for the buck, so-to-speak? Would you go "all in" on a very nice katana or prescribe to the thought of more is better? Thanks in advance.

Thank you for posting, Adam. I am a total newbie; when I listed a post asking for advice in my area, the good folks here shared this link with me. That is really incredible; the purchases you made. Way too cool. Really like your artwork in your place too. I collect all sorts of things and sending a note, in good faith, should you wish to talk some time or may have items to sell. I am a buyer. Just really enjoy learning and history and all aspects of this hobby. I am still learning, but think you hit a home run--great job!

Thanks everyone for the welcome and advice. It is a long journey to understand this hobby, which is great. Since the first of the year, I am getting the basic vernacular down, when I can find time between work and family time. I am trying to read a little bit each day and expect to be more active on here in the future. I am located in greater Chicago-land. There may be shows around me, but as mentioned, I do not have anyone I know that is a collector who could help direct me. There is one local-ish show I found via Google, but it is not scheduled again until next year. I guess they did have it this year, but I missed it!!! Frustrating because it was not too long ago. I guess right now my philosophy is that I have two ears and one mouth, so I plan to listen and take advise more than prove how much of a newbie I am. General thought is to continue to read here, make a donation this week to the forum (over the weekend), and continue to study. I'd like to buy a few more pieces for the collection this year and I have a feeling this is a slippery slope, because I can tell I am already hooked... My other hobbies just aren't as interesting to me right now and I am excited to learn.

Hello folks, have a lot to learn and am thankful for your sharing your fellowship and insights to this new collector.