Scogg

Thank you for your input. I am very happy to hear that it’s not cast. I originally did not think it was cast at all. I’ve enjoyed it in my collection for about a year, and never even considered it being cast. Dan made the cast suggestion, and I admittedly am too new to argue it. So I added the question to the topic for confirmation from the more experienced like yourself, Jean, Brian and Dale. Im glad I did, because y’all have helped confirm it’s not cast. I enjoy admiring it, and have developed a liking to Owari in the process. Thank you for your input and help, All the best, -Sam

Thank you Jean, and Dale! The triangular negative space ontop of the leaf is what made me think maple, for some reason. But the more kiri depictions I look at, the more I wonder. Ambiguous leaf might simply fit best. As far as the casting goes. I cannot find any discernable "seams" anywhere; and the irregularities appear to be corrosion to my novice eye. Obviously I hope it to be real, so I'm the most biased party here. If there are any photos that would help, let me know, and I will do my best. If it were real, would anyone be willing to guess on it's age? Thanks again for everyone's input. I always learn a lot, and appreciate it. Cheers, -Sam

There’s no raining on this parade . It’s no problem at all - I’m here to learn. Hopefully I’ll get some more opinions that help confirm or deny that if it’s cast. Here’s some more photos where I focused on some of the areas you circled. I appreciate the help! It’s always a learning experience (last photo of one of the more smooth sides) All the best, -Sam

Bummer! Not doubting you, but would you mind pointing out where you see casting flaws so that I can see them? Admittedly, I’m not well versed in fittings Cheers, -Sam

I’ve got this tsuba that I’m pretty sure is Owari. I had thought the motif was maple leaf, but I saw some similar listed as paulownia leaf. Maple or paulownia? Something else? Cheers, -Sam

I've never seen a type 95 with hadori like that either. Also, the kissaki and yakote look nicer / more precise than other 95's i've seen... Granted, I've not seen everything. It's Interesting! Looking forward to what others have to say. -Sam

… You’re* . And Vajo is very knowledgable. For what it’s worth, the second nakago you shared with the notches does not look like any WW2 Arsenal blade I’ve ever seen. If the test results and conclusion are accurate, then I’d be suspicious that someone after the war added artificial patina, more mekugi-ana, altered the nakagojiri and probably created those notches in the process. In an attempt to make the nakago look like one from a much older sword. Seeing the whole sword, and nakago in better lighting would help others confirm or deny those suspicions and offer better input. Best of luck, -Sam

I think it's the same sword. To my eyes, it looks like the same tang (nakago) minus the chalk. I wonder if @b.hennick is around and remembers this one Cheers, -Sam

Wow, @Nihonto student, way to be quick with the search function! I'm impressed you found that so quickly Rick, my condolences, and I am sorry to hear about the passing of your father. If your profile is accurate, being in Florida, you have unique opportunities to get your sword into the hands of some really knowledgeable people. There's a Japanese Sword Show in Orlando Florida this coming June. https://orlandoswordshow.com/ Best of luck, I like the looks of your sword, -Sam

Sold at $455 + $24.75 shipping

Looking forward to more pictures. To Brians point - The crude erasure of the signature is suspicious. The only reasons I can imagine is that: 1. This was done to erase a false signature (gimei). 2. Or done to hide an arsenal stamp so it could be sold as a nihonto rather than an arsenal showato. 3. Or that it was done to mislead someone into thinking it's an o-suriage older blade refitted for the war. 4. Maybe I'm missing a possible scenario. I think the arsenal stamp scenario is most likely, but hopefully better pictures will tell the whole story. Per usual, I'm inclined to agree with Kirill, as he's much more knowledgeable than I. All the best, and welcome to the forum! Cheers, -Sam

Thanks for the input y’all. The auction ends today and it will be interesting to see what it sells for. Bruce, you got my nose into my books this morning. Maybe it’s a variation of one of these in Jim Dawsons book, perhaps? Page 280*

Wanna switch lives with me, Piers? Envious of all that cool stuff! I've got to visit Japan one of these years Thanks for sharing all this. Very cool! -Sam

They did not unfortunately. I’d also love to see it assembled Link sent in a message

Saw this listed and was curious about what it is exactly. (Not my photos) Said to be signed “Fujiwara Yoshiomi” on the listing. Looks to be a non-traditionally made WW2 showato with showa stamp. Never seen a seppa lock like that, and the saya looks unfamiliar to any WW2 sword I’ve seen. Is this a mismatched piece-together? Or perhaps a super late war sword? @Bruce Pennington? I’ll pm the link to the auction if requested. All opinions welcome, Cheers, -Sam

https://nihonto.com/shinkai/ Nie spills over from the habuchi to the ji? Increased activities toward the monouchi? Please enlighten us! -Sam

Wow, what a beautiful sword Gary! Congratulations on your purchase, and thank you for sharing. Color me envious, -Sam

3ish years later @Jon, any updates on this particular blade?

Like has been mentioned, 100 euro is a great price. Even if the blade has a fatal flaw, at 100 euro the fittings easily make up for it. ALTHOUGH.... What is the item you're trading, if you don't mind me asking? If you got it for 100, but it's worth 500 - Then it's a much riskier gamble, IMO Good luck! -Sam

I spoke to Stephen a couple weeks ago, and he asked me to extend his best wishes to all of you. (thanks for the opportunity!) He's taking a step away from NMB after his 20,000th post. He seems happy and garden focused for the springtime. I certainly miss his presence here, Cheers, -Sam

I am a bit late to the party here. It looks like there might be a few of that type in the surrender photo. With the wide-ish metal hanger strap (ashi?), and the thick kashira. Hard to know for sure if what i'm seeing is accurate Cheers, -Sam

There was never any doubt that it’s made with folded steel, or that it’s a quality piece. Sorry I wasn’t very clear about that. Lonely planet gave great advice about the new photos on his gemstone comment. And more good info on his comment above. Sincerely, -Sam

It's a good looking sword, Steve. Whether or not it was folded was never the question or issue. Folding is only one of the many qualifiers for a traditionally made sword. To my knowledge, only the type 95 and some sabres weren't folded. You may have better luck with this item amongst WW2 militaria collectors instead of Nihonto collectors. Being a higher end arsenal blade (not traditionally made), it might not sell quickly here - so you'll have to find the right buyer which will take time and patience. Highlight the history, condition, and the fact that the blade was restored professionally by one of the best - for optimum admiration and preservation. It's always best to use your own words. They say restoring swords is more about preserving history than it is an entrepreneurial venture. You've helped preserve some WW2 history, and there's some merit in that. Any prospective buyer will definitely want more pictures too. I know I would. Best of luck, -Sam

Hi Adam, I'll speak from my personal experience... Earlier in my collecting, I was mostly focused on military swords and other general militaria. I wanted a Japanese parade sabre, because they're typically so cheap, and he also had another lower-end item I wanted. I bid on both - I wanted them, so I bid slightly higher than I expected them to go... Both items went to exactly $0.50 under my max bid. I found that extremely suspicious. Long story short, I acquired the items and they remain in my collection. They also appear worse in person than they did in the photos, and they had some flaws that were not highlighted in the listing. A few hundred dollars later - lesson learned. If I had searched this forum, I would have probably avoided the blunder. I am sure David and Brian have even better warning tales. All the best, -Sam

Not all heroes wear capes Good catch, and nice to see them doing the right thing. Cheers, -Sam