Hello

[Top Buzzer]

Hello Gentlemen,

I am a visitor here to tap the knowledge off the clever men off the Japanese militaria forum.

I got a phonecall from my local auction saying they have a Japanese Sword. When I got there they have a mint sword with a tag "WW2 Japanese NCO Sword with arsenal markings". Could someone PM me and advise me before I buy it. The reserve price is £120....I assume that is good? what are the characteristics to look for in a fake? I do not want to end up with a Chinese fake.
If anyone can help me I will be indebted to you. I know nothing about these swords but it does look good. Its now 7pm UK time and I am going at 10am tomorrow to bid.

Thanks in advance and have a good weekend

Mike

[blinky]

Hi Mike
That's a good opening price but boy can these be tricky. There are some excellent reproductions out there as well as the Chinese junk. Check out this link, this gives you an idea of what to look for:

http://www.h4.dion.ne.jp/~t-ohmura/gunto_070.htm

It's not a rule of thumb but if the condition is excellent I'd be a little leary without seeing it first. There are originals that are in pristine condition but most of them show some wear as opposed to the reproductions around there (unless someone worked on a fake to make it look old).

Hopefully the sword people will chime in!

Eric

[gunto]

Price sounds nice if original.
Need photos.

[Stu W]

Hi Mike,

Without photos it's a risk but here's a link to a few of mine. Have a look and note the features. It may assist you.

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=495813

Regards,
Stu

[Top Buzzer]

hello

Thanks for the advice so far.

Stu you have an excellent collection and a great reference

If I win the auction I will post it on here. It has a reserve price off £120 and if original then I have one a watch!

Stu has given me all the help I need and thankyou very much

Mike

[rkhunter]

Did you win this sword?

[Top Buzzer]

No

No I never bid. It was a very well made fake with Arsenal stamps, aluminium handle ect.
I will not post on here why I knew it was wrong but if it wasn't for studying the pictures from Stu I would have bought it as a real sword.

Mike