skillinabottle Posted July 20, 2012 Report Posted July 20, 2012 Hello, I was directed here by Clive at to-ken.com, hopefully someone can help me identify the sword I have. The sword belongs to an elderly relative who is looking to sell it. I have offered to try and find out a bit more about it. The sword was bought in Camden, London in the 1960s and my aunt tells me that she believes the writing on the tang is 'an old Japanese script', and that the sword had been with one family for many generations. Clive Sinclaire at to-ken has identified the mounts as from the 2nd World War period and believes that the writing isn't Japanese at all. I am hoping that my aunt is right and that this is an authentic Japanese sword. There is writing on each side of the tang. I attach some general pictures to give you a feel for it. It anything isn't clear I will try to take more pictures of any element. I look forward to your comment. Martin Quote
Grey Doffin Posted July 20, 2012 Report Posted July 20, 2012 Hi Martin, I think you have a real Japanese sword, made non-traditionally during WWII, and signed by the one Japanese person with the worst handwriting in all of Japan. I can't read it. Grey Quote
cabowen Posted July 20, 2012 Report Posted July 20, 2012 tosa masakuni saku? dyslexic Japanese katakata on the ura???? Looks like something done more as a joke..... Quote
Kai-Gunto Posted July 21, 2012 Report Posted July 21, 2012 Looks original , but with very poor kanji like the other said. How many washers are ther on each side of the guard? Dont like the screw on this type. Quote
Brian Posted July 21, 2012 Report Posted July 21, 2012 I agree with the others here. Genuine mass produced WW2 sword, the screw in the handle is a replacement for the peg that was there, and the smith was either illitterate (not unheard of) or the markings were added later. Value around $600-800 probably at a guess. Brian Quote
skillinabottle Posted July 21, 2012 Author Report Posted July 21, 2012 Hello, Thanks for your replies. I attach a picture of the guard make up, I have exploded it. The 3no washers / plates are symmetrical about the central guard piece. Even as a novice in this field I agree that the screw doesn't look great! Martin Quote
Bruno Posted July 21, 2012 Report Posted July 21, 2012 tosa masakuni saku? There is nobody with such name in the Seki kaji tosho list. Quote
Kai-Gunto Posted July 21, 2012 Report Posted July 21, 2012 There is nobody with such name in the Seki kaji tosho list. There was a Masakuni Quote
Kai-Gunto Posted July 21, 2012 Report Posted July 21, 2012 The thin washers need to be near habaki and near fuchi.the thick ones next and the ones with the "funny" shapes against tsuba. Quote
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