How to determine a fake from authentic

[Adam001]

I am going to a sale this weekend and would like a couple of pointers to look for. I have been burned before with fakes and or not worth the money I paid. Could you please give me a little advice on what to look for. Thank you

[Grey Doffin]

A few good books. Grey

[Shamsy]

Grey pretty much has it.

 

I guess experience is the best solution, so take someone who can help if possible. Otherwise things to look for might be:

Quality - while there is a huge fluctuation, if the sword and fittings look to be high quality work, more chance it's genuine 

Colours - try to get an idea of genuine colours found on swords and stick to those

Patina - can be faked, but genuine patina from age and casual wear is extremely difficult to mimic 

Symbols, carvings - Chinese love to plaster cheap looking carvings and symbols on fakes

 

Look, nothing will beat careful study and hard won experience. If in any doubt, avoid it and wait until you've earned these. Still plenty of swords out there and you're unlikely to find any real bargains at any sizable event anymore. No hurry.

[Adam001]

Thank you.

[Bruce Pennington]

Spend some time browsing through these pages!

http://ohmura-study.net/900.html

 

then spend some time here:

https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/gallery/category/7-fake-Japanese-swords/

 

You will see the difference!