UK Auction

[Jon MB]

https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/chiswick-auctions/catalogue-id-srchis11138/lot-67a636a9-1900-486b-b7bb-b36400ea14f3?queryId=7e6d42815a4c84d3ebe8d072a302c609

[Jon MB]

Comments would be helpful to vendors.

 

[Scogg]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but this is not a genuine Japanese sword. 

https://www.jssus.org/nkp/fake_japanese_swords.html

Sincerely,
-Sam

[Jon MB]

Indeed

 

[charlesf]

Not a week goes by without the appearance of fake Japanese swords on UK auction websites,I've looked at four this morning!

Auctioneers either don't know or don't care about the authenticity of the items they describe variously,including 'samuri' and 'kutani' swords yet they're able to describe with exquisite perfection the nuances of pottery and furniture.

They clearly believe that "Ignorance is bliss" and just look to sell,sell,sell,which is hardly surprising given the extortionate commission rates that are being charged,I recently bought a sword knocked down (hammer) £480,with commission and shipping it finished at just over £700,so no bargain!

 

charles

[George KN]

Yup, super fake - and I echo Charles's thoughts on the UK auctions being full of them! 

 

Technically, I believe these fake swords are actually illegal under UK law now to possess and sell too - but it's probably not worth pointing this out to the auctions themselves because they likely already know this, and in my mind it's better than them actually stopping selling any curved blades which I think would be the alternative, because there isn't really a way for an auction house to formally know/guarantee whether one is real or not.

 

If the auctions begin requiring written proof/certificates for genuine nihonto to be sold UK collectors really will be toast...