Pomwah Posted March 23 Report Share Posted March 23 Greetings, I have little knowledge of Nihonto but I have been fortunate enough to lay my hands on a sword. It was, apparently, brought to Australia, after WWII from New Guinea, having been used by a Japanese Army officer. Is it an authentic item? It is in poor condition generally even having been bent. Can anyone shed some light on the sword. I'd like to remove the handle to examine the tang to determine if there is a maker's mark but have yet to find a description of the correct method to do so. The photos aren't great, happy to take more to aid identification. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PNSSHOGUN Posted March 23 Report Share Posted March 23 Hi James, first impressions are that this is a Chinese fake. This is due to the rather prominent and gaudy pattern of the steel, which you generally do not see on authentic Japanese swords (with rare exceptions). http://www.jssus.org...japanese_swords.html There is a video guide on how to remove the Tsuka, though sometimes these Chinese swords are glued in. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Posted March 23 Report Share Posted March 23 Also get fake vibes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray Singer Posted March 23 Report Share Posted March 23 James, please see below. http://www.jssus.org...japanese_swords.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ROKUJURO Posted March 23 Report Share Posted March 23 Not removing the handle will probably save you from a disappointment.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John C Posted March 23 Report Share Posted March 23 17 hours ago, Pomwah said: Can anyone shed some light on the sword. James: My first impression was also a reproduction. The reason for that is the exaggerated cloud pattern of the steel. The Japanese typically did not forge swords that way. Indeed, most of the fakes we see have this cloud pattern acid etched into them. There are exceptions, however. John C. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rematron Posted March 25 Report Share Posted March 25 In line with the above comments, I also observe that the TSUKA (handle) wrapping is not up to par with a traditional NIHONTO. Not solid proof but more evidence. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pomwah Posted April 3 Author Report Share Posted April 3 Thank you all. Not looking too closely into the sword is probably a good idea. Even so, I'd like to know if it is a fake or not, it's a talking point if nothing else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seth Posted April 3 Report Share Posted April 3 It’s a real “sword” but it is not an authentic nihonto. So based on your question yes it is fake. Did you have any luck removing the tsuka? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2devnul Posted April 4 Report Share Posted April 4 Hi, Same (by looking on pictures, before reading other comments) assumption here. Hada and Tsuka looks Chinese made to me. Can you make close-up pictures of Kissaki? Usually Chinese fakes also fail in there (Yokote). Removing Tsuka will revile more, I'm expecting Chinese Nakago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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