Mark

my opinion is there are recent swords probably made in China to copy WWII Japanese army officers swords

strange if it is a stamp, maybe unknown........ it also looks a bit like someone started drilling a hole there and quit but dressed it up to cover it up trying to make it into something

just saw this on FB posted by Chris Bowen NTHK-NPO Kantei-sho UPDATE! For those still waiting patiently for their Chicago NTHK-NPO Shinsa kantei-sho, good news! I have received the last half of them and will be sending them out next week! Sorry for the long wait- everyone's patience was greatly appreciated!

Grey and I should be available. there are some decent places nearby we have visited before. We can discuss options when we are there

the picture with the mei is very dark, at least for me, can you add a better picture. That being said it looks genuine. i don't think i have seen any copies of smiths like Kanemichi. Dated 5th month 1943

the oshigata is upside down so hard to see.......... Bob was knowledgeable. He bought thousands of swords so knew what he had. The chances it is a good signature is very very small. Bob surley had it checked maybe it has been to shinsa or the NBTHK may have seen the oshigata. you could submit to a US shinsa if you wish, there is one in June

Dan Thanks, Thanks, thanks.... i fixed it. hold over from last year. i appreciate it. i want to make things as easy as possible mark

Dan thanks..... are you saying you went to my website https://www.vegasswordshow.com/ and click on the link Reserve click here Show rate $108 for regular room $125 for deluxe room You get something saying it is closed? I just tried again and my link works........... let me know what website you see in the flyer........ strange. i want to make sure everything works as i am getting a lot of inquires and don't want to lose any new potential attendees thanks

i will have tables. I will bring my parts. find my tables and say hello and we can check if i have anything to help mark jones

Dan not sure what you are doing........ i just checked the link i posted https://book.passkey.com/event/50492676/owner/3453/home it allowed me to make a reservation at the show rate. are you sure you used the right link (not the one from last year)? If you have trouble contact me and i will help, there are plenty of rooms at show rate if calling the hotel (I do NOT recommend as online is much easier) the Group code is: SAAS4R please let me know it worked for you thanks mark

The SOS in Louisville KY in February would be a good place to look

where are you located?

Dan you can contact Chris to ask....... he said some came in and he sent them, i did not get mine so i asked and he said they were in the second group that had not arrived yet mark

Jake the chances of buying one that fits without first trying it is slim. The button/whole size varies so either the button will not fit in the whole or is too loose and doesn't look right (you can drill out the whole but that can cause damage)... the length varies a LOT you will get one that does not go deep enough to lock or is too long. best option is to take it to a show and if someone has parts try what is available

looks great. easy to navigate. great pictures. I have done a lot of business with Matt and Eric and have found them easy to deal with and fair with descriptions and terms mark

I am actively promoting the show as it is about 3 months away Now is the time to plan to attend! Here is a link to the show website https://www.vegasswordshow.com/ Link for room reservations https://book.passkey...2676/owner/3453/home

Looks like Kanetsune to me

Steve thanks. Good catch. Wish the previous owner would have mentioned it was posted. Would have saved me some time. I appreciate your help and correction. I will have something to research. mark

thanks in advance for any help. i can read the mei Aizu Ju Motooki and date Tenpo 10th year second month so 1839 there is an additional inscription below the date and to the right and also to the left of the mei. I think it is a test description. I lookeed through Markus's book but an a bit stumped .

Conway are you sure the second kanji is Yama? looks a bit like Masa to me.

here is the front of the Antique Arms show flyer. They are promoting the Japanese Sword section and there are some great pictures from last year. They want to grow the Japanese section so 2024 should be great

520000 yen is about $3500 USD. That is a reasonable cost for polish and paper. Agts fee min $500, NBTHK paper (depending on lever) $500 or more, shirasaya $500 polish $2000 (not sure blade length) habaki (if needed is extra) equals $ 3500. It is expensive but not unrealistic. Sometimes if you feel strongly about a blade you need to step up and roll the dice. That is why you do research in advance so you can be satisfied with whatever way you go.

chips can affect value. cant say how much without inspecting the entire blade hard to know exact age, i am guessing it is not dated. probably circa 1500s

yes. real WWII army officers sword but the blade is older made by Sukesada from Bizen

looks like Seki Kanekiyo saku made by Kanekiyo from the town of Seki . not traditionally made