WWII Soerabaja Katana

[nickn]

I agree even if pre 45 they are not Japanese made or issued so should not be bought as such
At best locally made copies

[mp409mm]

From a few examples I have seen, "those" swords have a very ugly looking tang. Frankly, I don't believe those are Japanese smith made blades.

I can understand why the seller doesn't want to show the tang, because it will hurt the business. But, who's buying a Japanese sword without asking to see the tang?!

Correct, I agree
Alf