Japanese sword HELP!!

[Luis22]

Hello Guys,

Your opinion is apreciated on this signed katana..

thanks,


http://imagehost.vendio.com/bin/view...pg,SAM993.jpg#

[Mainemilitaria]

First off, I only know the basics when it comes to Japanese Swords....however, it appears to be a nice example of a Japanese Army Officers Sword....without being able to read the tang I can't be exact.....but I "know" any Sword with a "Showa" Stamp is a 1930s-1945 blade, machine forged and hand finished, if I remember correctly (Those that are handmade blades don't have the "Showa" stamp!).

So very collectible as a WW 2 Army Officer's Sword but low value compared to those with a truely "antique" blade.....

Of course the tang should be read...and others specializing in Japanese Swords should chim in....but I believe the Showa stamp means it's not a special blade (which is what would really determine the value.)

Would all depend on the price.
John G.

[Luis22]

First off, I only know the basics when it comes to Japanese Swords....however, it appears to be a nice example of a Japanese Army Officers Sword....without being able to read the tang I can't be exact.....but I "know" any Sword with a "Showa" Stamp is a 1930s-1945 blade, machine forged and hand finished, if I remember correctly (Those that are handmade blades don't have the "Showa" stamp!).

So very collectible as a WW 2 Army Officer's Sword but low value compared to those with a truely "antique" blade.....

Of course the tang should be read...and others specializing in Japanese Swords should chim in....but I believe the Showa stamp means it's not a special blade (which is what would really determine the value.)

Would all depend on the price.
John G.

Thanks John!!

[checkit]

Looks like a nice, all-original Gunto, with an early Showa stamp on the tang. Not in primo condition, but worth picking up if the price is right.

[Budo45]

cant tell from the one pix that has the smiths name but i think its Yoshiaki

http://home.earthlink.net/~ttstein/yoshiaki.jpg

[Luis22]

sold for $900 unfortunately not to me........

[kaigunair]

count yourself lucky. $900 is way over priced for a gunto in that condition...

[Stu W]

count yourself lucky. $900 is way over priced for a gunto in that condition...

I agree. There seems to be a belief that any chewed up blade in gunto mounts is somehow worth big bucks and the prices are rising accordingly. I think we all need to be careful and not fuel this trend with the contents of our wallets otherwise in time we will see Japanese militaria go the way of TR.

Regards,
Stu

[Luis22]

[QUOTE=Stu W;4906634]I agree. There seems to be a belief that any chewed up blade in gunto mounts is somehow worth big bucks and the prices are rising accordingly. I think we all need to be careful and not fuel this trend with the contents of our wallets otherwise in time we will see Japanese militaria go the way of TR.

Regards,
Stu[/QUOTE
AGREE!!