Opinion on a WWII Type 98 Japanese Shin-gunto

[Syberz]

Greetings,

I stumbled on this forum while looking up information on Japanese swords. I read through a few posts and the community seems real nice so I figured I'd join. I'm not a sword collector but I am still facinated by Japanese steel and I'm an avid WWII history buff (hence my interest in the WWII military sword).

 

I would very much like your opinions on the below auction. Considering the price and after reading some of your posts I have to admit that I'm about 90% sure that its a fake but I would still like to know what makes it a fake.

 

Ebay sword

 

Thanks!

[Stever]

Definitely fake:

plated/etched hamon, straight tip (instead of curved), numbers on habaki. My 0.2, but wait for more experienced answers, I'm a newb.

 

Cheers,

-steve r

[Syberz]

The serial numbers did indeed throw me off a bit because I haven't seen others with similar numbering.

 

Out of curiosity, can anyone translate the kanji on the tang?

[John A Stuart]

Hi Syberz, Crapola. Not even a good attempt to steal hard earned money. John

[Syberz]

Hmm... darn, oh well!

 

Where's a good spot to find an authentic WWII sword then? Any ideas?

[sencho]

http://japaneseswords.gotdns.com/

 

http://www.japanesesword.com/

 

Try these two for some WWII stuff.... plus check out the links page (at the op of this page) and there is a bunch of reputable dealers there...

 

That guy on ebay has only chinese crap fakes... 99% of swords on ebay are fake junk so be careful and use the board for opinions before you buy on ebay...

 

Here is one ebay seller that sells real stuff and you can trust what he says..

 

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrp ... FSQ3aMESOI

 

Remember a sword for 19 dollars on ebay or 9.99 is not a real sword.... refine your search starting at 200!!

 

Cheers

[Syberz]

Thanks a lot for the links and the info!