108 long Katana

[mp409mm]

This so called long Katana has these markes on the Tange.
Believe me I tried to compare the Japanese letter, but finally I gave up, so please any one can translate this script.
This Katana has a wooden scabbard covered with removable leather cover .
Thanks
Alf

[Luis22]

kanji looks weird.....

[BenVK]

I suspect it's a fake sword.

[GHP]

kanji looks weird.....

Agreed! This is why it is helpful to see the "whole monte" -- full-frontal nudity of the entire blade.

Trouble areas in pink:

関東住菊池守直治
Kantō jū Kikuchi [no] Kami Naoharu [or Naoji]
Kikuchi, Lord Naoharu, resident of Tohoku

Okay ... very shallow engraving using a geographic area [i.e., Kanto; Kansai; Tohoku; etc.] instead of a province/city. Wierd and unauthentic as far as I know.


昭和十九年八月一日作
Made 1 August 1944
Usually the "made" is used for the swordsmith's name/title; NOT the date.


--Guy

[nickn]

It's a Chinese fake

[oldhonda]

Can you show the blade pictures? What do you think about the blade?

When you review a Japanese sword, DO NOT DIVE DIRECTLY TO THE TANG. Have a good look at the blade to get a sense of it FIRST.

[mp409mm]

Thank you ALL for your feed back, much appreciated. Here is all the photos I have, so that you can evaluate better.
Alf

[mp409mm]

More photos.

[mp409mm]

Again 2 more.

[mp409mm]

Last one > and Thank You
Alf

[nickn]

Sorry still looks like a copy/fake

[mp409mm]

Sorry still looks like a copy/fake

Thanks Nickn.
Good that I asked before I bought it.
Alf

[BruceP]

Alf, this one is a real puzzle! The blade seems well made. how does it feel in hand? light? or a good heft tot he weight? An odd thing is the file marks - one side is feather, the other straight diagonal. I don't think that's normal, usually they are the same style on each side. The tsuba is obviously new, but the saya looks legit (could be a legit war saya added to this blade). The ito wrapping is really well done (fakes tend to be sloppy). The kabutogane looks older, but the thin metal end-caps to the handle and saya are poor quality. It is a real mixed bag! If it's fake, someone went to a whole lot of trouble and time/workmanship to do this. But, we have been seeing an increasing level of quality in the fake-produciton methods in the last year.

If you haven't bought it yet, it is strange enough that I would avoid it - unless you like to collect odd-ball pieces (which some guys do!).

[Bob Coleman]

Definitely a fake that is likely Chinese made. The nonsensical kanji alone are enough proof that it is a fake.

[mp409mm]

Thanks a lot guys, most helpful. No I haven't bought it and I have no intention to buy it, it is a good thing that I found you all guys with your help and advice.
Alf