Wakizashi identification request

[dan_kc]

Hi there,

 

I've come across an old sword which I believe to be a wakizashi and was hoping someone here could help me with identification. I know practically nothing about this topic, but I am keenly interested. I paid practically nothing for this at an antique store, and have no interest in doing anything with it but keep it. I am just curious to learn whatever I can about its history. I've taken several photos which I will try to attach here. The only symbols I can find on it are on a stamp which I have tried to photograph as best I could. The blade is extremely rough, and I'm afraid the rust has impeded the script quite a bit. If there is any further info I can provide just ask. I appreciate any hints you can give me.

 

Thanks,

 

 

Dan

[dan_kc]

Having trouble uploading photos. Uploaded pics here: http://picasaweb.google.com/danbusenbarrick/MysteryWakizashi# .

 

Let me know if you have trouble viewing these,

 

 

Dan

[cabowen]

Fortunate you didn't pay much because it is a reproduction.

[Brian]

Dan,

That one isn't even close. I suggest some serious study, or at least a look around the links section above the forum.

I would say that $50 would have been way too much for this junker. Sorry to be so blunt, but it is needed to save people from wasting money.

 

Brian

[Kevin]

A very bad repro. Even if it wasn't a repro, there are grinding marks on the blade which, if it were real, means it would be best left alone because it would probably be irreparably damaged. The pitting wouldn't be good news either. Read up on things before you buy another.

 

Kevin

[dan_kc]

Hi guys,

 

Thanks for the quick responses. Like I said, this isn't a tragedy, because I bought it for very little and had no expectation of authenticity.

 

I am still interested in learning more, though. My primary reason for posting is to gain knowledge about something I know nothing of. Can you illuminate me on the various factors that make this such an obvious (and apparently offensive) fake?

 

Thanks,

 

 

Dan

[Lee Bray]

If you're seriously interested in learning more then your best bet is reading until you're confident you can tell the difference between real and fake.

Check out the general section of this forum for a book list and check the links at the top of this page.

Knowledge is best learned, not told.

Good luck on the very, very long road...

[Brian]

The "Fake Swords" link at the top of the forum would be a good place to start.

 

Brian

[Basho12]

Dan, FWIW, I was given similar advice when I first joined this board and it's absolutely spot on. You look at enough good quality examples and after awhile the fakes stand out like neon. Recently I was helping a friend who had three swords: A showato in good condition, one really nice Hizen wakazashi, and an absolutely hideous Chinese fake NCO sword. When he asked me how I knew it was a fake, I just lay the three swords down side by side and told him to look. Sometimes one picture really is worth a thousand words.

[estcrh]

Dan, here is a Japanese sword glossary that will help you with various sword related terms you may read on the forum. http://members.shaw.ca/nihontonut/glossary.html

[dan_kc]

Thanks for all the replies, everybody. Lots of great information.

 

Have a good one,

 

 

Dan

[steve oakley]

You could stick it on ebay as a genuine replica. :D

 

Steve