John Cartwright

Thank you for your replies. It was £100, reduced from £195. Not disappointed, I thought it was a 'bit moody'!

Not that I had any great expectations of this Tachi (I saw a year ago in a Devon Junk/salvage shop. A year later I made a cheeky offer and bought it, thinking in my ignorance it may be a Kai Gunto! I am Iaidoka, but with little knowledge of katana etc. apart from 'naming of parts' for grading examinations! But it looks nice on the rack along with my Shinken, Iaito and bokuto. (All probably Longquan products.) I'd be interested to know any thoughts after you have stopped laughing! Same is genuine, (I performed the 'hot needle' test; no melting) Ito wrap. Ito and menuki rather pathetic. Blade either Damascus or acid-etched with no Hamon. Nakugo has '24' painted thereon, (as does saya, under the kogai), and inscribed as seen. As said, I had no expectations, but would be most grateful if some of the experts here may have some idea of age and origin.

Thanks for that nugget of knowledge! I was considering the ill-fitting habaki when I made that observation.

Five thousand quid of a plastic stage sword? Blimey!

A number of Gunto, Nihonto and shinken lots listed. (Possibly wrong terminology: apologies. I am Iaidoka with little knowledge of such swords beyond 'naming of parts' for gradings!) This one looks a bit dodgy, especially the kashirae. No detailed images of the blade, just the mei on the nakago. https://www.the-sale...36-b655-b05b010445ff