John C

I can see part of a nagoya stamp, so most likely machine made (is there a star stamp?). You can match the mei (signature) to known examples, however there would be no need to fake a signature on this type of blade, so most likely genuine. John C.

Hello: Trying to figure this out I was coming up with names like yoshi, moto, or maybe nobu. Couldn't figure it out, then thought maybe it's not a name but a word. It sits next to Daikoku's mallet. Thank you, John C.

I was hoping someone could help with this one (sorry, not on a sword but a yatate). A seven spoke arrow wheel in the family group "Ya". I've included a pic of the page from my mon book, however it doesn't give a family name. Thank you, John C.

The stamps and sword are legit (type 95 Iijima Tokyo 1st), however the blade is in terrible shape and last I saw it was at 751 dollars, which is way too much for the condition it was in. There were no pictures of the serial numbers so not sure if they match the scabbard; black tape is not original as well. I had sent a message to Goodwill with this information, however they didn't post it. Regards, John C. p.s. Please see Bruce Pennington's excellent stamp document in downloads for more info.

That's why I was curious. Obviously he only sells "scratch-n-dent" merchandise, but thought the carving was worth posting if it were an attempt at covering a flaw. John C.

What are your thoughts? John C.

I too think it looks like Showa 18 (1943). John C.

Wow. You guys never cease to amaze. There is no way I could have figured that out. Much appreciated. John C.

Hello: I'm not sure if the marks on these yatate are writing or just scribble. Not sure if it is in the right orientation, either. Best pic I have at the moment. Any help would be appreciated. John C.

Steve: In that one particular auction from Eric you referenced above, he mentions the word "minty" 9 times in the description, though he is not selling mouthwash. He also uses the word "samurai" in the title when he knows perfectly well it was not and could not have been used by a samurai warrior. As Bruce noted above, sellers use words that attract unknowledgeable buyers to increase viewer traffic. So his use of NLF and other words are for marketing only. This is the "overly loose" use of words to attract buyers. Hope this helps, John C.

This does not look real to me, however I was unaware type 8/19s were faked. https://shopgoodwill.com/item/191940374 John C.

Hello: For anyone who collects yatate or other type of sagemono, have you seen this large style before? I have it pictured with a "normal" size yatate. Could this be an over-sized tourist piece; a "desktop" model/paperweight; a store sample/display?? It's a beast (12 inches long, 3 inches tall, and over a pound), made of bronze or brass. I can't imagine anyone carrying this tucked in an obi. Doesn't appear to have been used and is not marked. If you know, please let me know! Regards, John C.

I'm not an expert, however it seems fake to me as well - the "grinder" style bohi; the dremel nagoya mark; the poorly faked fuchi stamps, etc. John C.

Hello: According to google app, the phrase is "framed inscription." As to general info on origami, here is a good reference: http://www.nihontocr...se_sword_papers.html John C.

If it is Nihonto you are interested in, a good and reasonable jumping off point would be The Connoisseur's Book of Japanese Swords (currently 47.75 USD on Amazon). https://www.amazon.c...Swords/dp/1568365810 This book will give you a good overview of the different schools, hamon, hada, etc. John C.

Has this been posted before? Note the bohi is cut correctly, however... https://www.ebay.com/itm/404570728906?hash=item5e324b69ca:g:hSgAAOSwutNlOCRI&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA4GxONsz2BNSqFK0i9CJoVwADl8lBLhdjwJvBeazvW%2FKlrzxe3wejxQKP5AKkNbOX7QoC8IE2OBLY6zrvR4GghmoJAOH0dXmFzw2G1zwKfEUbjR9U6bmA4kTqQPhivhPdlsl%2FHFO0wfydGpJumc2MjnFyb3NkaIrIISSQLFedgU0gU%2F51Put%2B2PEFen160gRWUjHDzQrQOzmSezQd5uiP6Buk5hb%2F1%2BpHV6Az23Uc2v1i8%2BJCnF9Lrv8Q42vFxzZ7Jscmc6ThXTKNQiXuGHpvw%2BIFlZUOX%2FllRJbusCGZv4xN|tkp%3ABk9SR4DliNKeYw John C.

As far as a "fake" kaigunto, not sure I have seen one (though I am sure others have). But look at the differences between an actual kaigunto and souvenir swords that are VERY often passed off as original kaigunto. In addition, there are differences between iron tsuba. They look similar, however the souvenir version is larger than the type 3 version; whereas the kaigunto has rays on it. John C.

John C.

Also, while the blade is probably older than WW2, the shirasaya is of the style and type that would have been produced and carried in WW2. So possibly someone carrying an older blade during WW2. Below is a pic of one with a war-time blade. John C.

Thank you for your research. I am assuming mine is not old, however I was hoping to get as close as early or late whatever century. John C.

Thank you both for responding. I was hoping to take a crack at dating the blade using a kantei method, however there is not a lot of info out there pertaining specifically to yari. Jussi, here is a pick, though it may not be much help. Based on the kerakubi, it's not very old Nagasa: 4.5 inches Overall: ~14.5 inches John C.

I recently acquired a yari blade in shirasaya and was wondering if it could be roughly dated using kantei? Are yari styles indicative of a certain period or are the various styles too ubiquitous to determine age? Thank you, John C.

Okay so I'm a nerd. But here is a page from a book on knots talking about the cockscomb style knot work. John C.

Looks like the name is trying to be Yamamoto. But I suspect not THE Yamamoto. John C.

Haven't seen them before, however seems like the spring clip breaks easily so it makes sense. Here is one for sale. John C.