Is this Katana real or fake?

[Drago]

Hi there!

 

First off, I'd like to say: I'm new here. I found this forum a couple of days ago and already learned a great deal. Please be patient with me if I make some mistakes.

 

Well, lets get started.

 

I found a Katana in Gunto mounting on a German online weapons auctions website and I sure am tempted to buy it. So I'd be interested to know if you think this one is real or a fake.

I'm not going to post the auction link :D but the links to the auction images will be posted here. The resolution is somewhat unsatifactory, but I think most is still recognizable.

 

The previous owener states: Real Edo-period (1650-1700) Nihonto in Gunto mounting, orginally a long tachi, but shortened to Katana length, still 70cm cutting edge. Alumium saya with wooden core, Tsuba got some rust removed, looks odd. Midare Hamon, Nagasa 69.85cm, overall length 101,6cm. Both sides of Tang with signature.

 

The blade looks to be in a pretty bad shape, but I still feel attracted to it.

 

Now, here are the links:

Signatures http://www.egun.de/market/uploaded/2920 ... 0bc799.jpg

Hamon http://www.egun.de/market/uploaded/2920 ... 0bf679.jpg

Tsuba http://www.egun.de/market/uploaded/2920 ... 0bd73f.jpg

Tsuka http://www.egun.de/market/uploaded/2920 ... 0be6d9.jpg

Katana http://www.egun.de/market/uploaded/2920 ... 0bb800.jpg

 

Thanks.

Tobias H. aka Drago

[Jean]

Never seen such Tsuba on Gunto, F/K don't match ....

[Drago]

Oh yeah, previous owner says he thinks the Fuchi is not original and part of the Tsuka Ito had been repaired (stitched together). He thinks part of the mounting might not be original (Fuchi, Tsuba)

 

What do you think about the blade and the signature? After all, it is the blade that's important...

 

Tobias H. aka Drago

[Bruno]

I really think you can easily find much better and probably at almost the same price.

 

Yes parts do not match and there is a risk that every parts do not fit very well together. the saya has lost many of the original paint, the tsuba is awful even if it is old.The blade looks older that ww2 but unless you really want an old blade you will find many more decent gunto on Evilbay or from Mark who is a member of this board.

 

Of course if the mei is a big name and not mumei, and also if the blade has no fatal kizu, go ahead.

 

Just my very humble newbie opinion.

[Tokaido]

Takayama To ...something. Do not sound like an old sword but like an WWII thing.

I suggest to check Dr. Steins website for this.

 

Just my two (euro-)cent.

Greetings

[Drago]

高山刀鍛錬所???? - takayama katana tanren tokoro ???? (or kouzan katana tanren toko ????)

Had some trouble recognizing/deciphering first, fourth and sixth. I think that's what they are anyway... The photo (or condition of the blade) keeps me from deciphering the last four...

[Stephen]

maybe hideharu???

[Nobody]

Ujifusa

Ref. viewtopic.php?f=15&t=5491&p=42653&hilit=takayama+ujifusa#p42653

 

FYI; viewtopic.php?f=15&t=4523

[george trotter]

Look, it is very hard to see, but it looks like (as you say) it was made at the Takayama (or Kozan) manufacturing place by Ujifusa.

The other inscription seems to say Made using Anrai (or Yasuki) iron.

If this is correct, it is WWII period.

Regards,

George.

Oops, Koichi san wins...

[Drago]

WW2 period? What a letdown...

 

Sigh, so I guess I'm not gonna buy it and start saving more money to buy a real Edo or older blade...

 

Thanks anyway for your help! :D

[Grey Doffin]

And in the mean time spend some of that money on books.

Grey

[Jamie]

Tobias,

 

I agree with Grey about reading- buy some books. There are many good suggestions in the thread "how and where to start".

 

I'd like to add that you'll probably be much happier with your first purchase if buy something in good polish that you can study and enjoy, rather than having to send it off for polish right away.

[outlier48]

Tobias -

 

In addition to reading as suggested above, join a local sword club if possible, as well as attend shows. Seeing and holding quality swords is a great learning experience. Above all, be patient. I,for one, believe "the sword finds the owner".

 

Good luck!

 

Charlie Brashear