Chinese reproduction Katana markings

[War in Pacific]

Can anyone assist in reading the writing on this blade? 

 

 

 

Thanks

[War in Pacific]

After reading/ researching I ran across an article which put this IJN sword in the early production. Brass handle & lower serial #'s are also consistent of the early phase of production

[Mr. Bushido]

Your point is valid.

 

However, it's also true that the image has been altered in some way, meaning it's not the original.

 

This is a translation of the relevant part of the URL.

 

I apologize, I don't mean to diminish your discovery.

 

http://ohmura-study.net/611.html

（「偽物」や「合わせ物」が国内ネットオークションに急増!!! ）

↓

"Counterfeit" and "fake" items are rapidly increasing on domestic online auction sites!!!

Rust and an aged appearance can be easily created using chemicals. Please don't be fooled by this. Also, we often see toy swords with "Emperor" stamped on the scabbard or blade. These are mostly made in China. The Imperial Japanese Army equipment never had "Emperor" stamped on it.
It is very difficult to identify "fake" items (combining genuine and fake parts) based on photos alone (see actual auction examples).

[War in Pacific]

Thi How many you think the Union would tried to take it all

 

I'm In the garage. I'll work on these think next can get everything free

When are you coming back

I'm working on another project

[Allen0820]

Appears to be a very poor job - REVERSED KANJI? - trying to depict a Showa date.  Suggestion to me is that it was added by someone no well educated in Kanji.

 

Sorry ... just another bloke's thought ...

[War in Pacific]

I understand after the war, our troops were going nuts for keepsakes that they'd have Japanese write anything on anything to make it more 'authentic'

Japanese had the last laugh on that one

1 hour ago, Allen0820 said:

Appears to be a very poor job - REVERSED KANJI? - trying to depict a Showa date.  Suggestion to me is that it was added by someone no well educated in Kanji.

 

Sorry ... just another bloke's thought ...

Dunno, the conquered had to make a living, eh? Hats, caps, etc. are reproductions.

Couldn't see dropping $400+ on an item which could be easily be forged. Therfore the hats are reproductions 

8 hours ago, Mr. Bushido said:

Your point is valid.

 

However, it's also true that the image has been altered in some way, meaning it's not the original.

 

This is a translation of the relevant part of the URL.

 

I apologize, I don't mean to diminish your discovery.

 

http://ohmura-study.net/611.html

（「偽物」や「合わせ物」が国内ネットオークションに急増!!! ）

↓

"Counterfeit" and "fake" items are rapidly increasing on domestic online auction sites!!!

Rust and an aged appearance can be easily created using chemicals. Please don't be fooled by this. Also, we often see toy swords with "Emperor" stamped on the scabbard or blade. These are mostly made in China. The Imperial Japanese Army equipment never had "Emperor" stamped on it.
It is very difficult to identify "fake" items (combining genuine and fake parts) based on photos alone (see actual auction examples).

I agree. Understand after the war Japanese civilians would eagerly 'enhance' our soldiers 'finds' 

Certain items were easily forged & our troops eager to buy anything, to bring home a token of the war & would have items 'enhanced' their war trophies

Virtually anything & everything was picked up on souvenirs & Japanese were happy to oblige!

[War in Pacific]

I certainly don't fault US troops, the Pacific was an extremely brutal hell hole. Likewise don't blame the Japanese civilians.

 

I do have a question regarding 

The Katana I posted. I understand the Katana was forged (the price was a tipoff). 

 

My take on that particular piece is that it was altered post war. I could not wrap my arms it being  a total fake. My take is an entrepreneur (in China, Japan, etc.) was that some part was a bonefied forgery. Heck companies such as those producing M1 carbines and selling them at prices rivaling prices of the original - not a fan.

 

Based on your experience, with  the exception of the added information, was that sword an original prior to it being altered?

 

I respect your input. Thank you, 

- Mike

2 hours ago, Allen0820 said:

Appears to be a very poor job - REVERSED KANJI? - trying to depict a Showa date.  Suggestion to me is that it was added by someone no well educated in Kanji.

 

Sorry ... just another bloke's thought ...

 

Makes perfect sense to me. That particular forger use mirrors instead 

 

(Joke)

 

I've read that many US soldiers stationed in far in Japan wanted their item to be something special.  They asked for whatever piece they had. China also made money hand over fist. Likely still are

[Allen0820]

The irony to me is there is another side to the subject.  I am amused at the attention the NCO swords receive lately, but recall when I first set out to collect/study Japanese Swords, art and related articles some 15 years ago, NO ONE WANTED THEM, when I went into "business," I couldn't give them away 😆... oh my, how things have changed ... Japanese bayonets.  $5 at any gunstore/gun show.  LOL ... I guess that's one more problem with being an old fart!

[War in Pacific]

My gunsmith had the same experience. $5 carbines, etc. 2 years ago my gunshop had a case of Mosin Nagant rifles - $100 now. Kicking myself. They aren't $100 anymore!

[War in Pacific]

On 9/28/2025 at 11:38 AM, Allen0820 said:

Appears to be a very poor job - REVERSED KANJI? - trying to depict a Showa date.  Suggestion to me is that it was added by someone no well educated in Kanji.

 

Sorry ... just another I

NP appreciate I appreciate the input  - Mike 

[shemp h.]

On 9/28/2025 at 4:44 PM, Allen0820 said:

The irony to me is there is another side to the subject.  I am amused at the attention the NCO swords receive lately, but recall when I first set out to collect/study Japanese Swords, art and related articles some 15 years ago, NO ONE WANTED THEM, when I went into "business," I couldn't give them away 😆... oh my, how things have changed ... Japanese bayonets.  $5 at any gunstore/gun show.  LOL ... I guess that's one more problem with being an old fart!

I hear you Allen, I'm an old fart too, just hit 65, I can remember when beautiful all matched non import mark stamped early war 98ks were a $100.00 to $150.00. One thing that sticks out in my memory is of seeing IJN complete stencil anchor helmets stacked for $50.00 a piece. This was before I started collecting Japanese but everytime I think about it I could kick myself.

[War in Pacific]

On 9/28/2025 at 4:38 AM, Mr. Bushido said:

Your point is valid.

 

However, it's also true that the image has been altered in some way, meaning it's not the original.

 

This is a translation of the relevant part of the URL.

 

I apologize, I don't mean to diminish your discovery.

 

http://ohmura-study.net/611.html

（「偽物」や「合わせ物」が国内ネットオークションに急増!!! ）

↓

"Counterfeit" and "fake" items are rapidly increasing on domestic online auction sites!!!

Rust and an aged appearance can be easily created using chemicals. Please don't be fooled by this. Also, we often see toy swords with "Emperor" stamped on the scabbard or blade. These are mostly made in China. The Imperial Japanese Army equipment never had "Emperor" stamped on it.
It is very difficult to identify "fake" items (combining genuine and fake parts) based on photos alone (see actual auction examples).

Diminish? Not at all. I bought this Katana with the understanding it was likely cobbled together. It's a placeholder/ wall hanger.

 

The link you provided has good, solid information in it. Learning curve is definitely high & It will take a lot of time to get a handle on what makes one better than another &  how to weed out the counterfeits.

[Allen0820]

18 hours ago, shemp h. said:

I hear you Allen, I'm an old fart too, just hit 65, I can remember when beautiful all matched non import mark stamped early war 98ks were a $100.00 to $150.00. One thing that sticks out in my memory is of seeing IJN complete stencil anchor helmets stacked for $50.00 a piece. This was before I started collecting Japanese but everytime I think about it I could kick myself.

lol! so true ...

On 9/28/2025 at 4:38 AM, Mr. Bushido said:

Your point is valid.

 

However, it's also true that the image has been altered in some way, meaning it's not the original.

 

This is a translation of the relevant part of the URL.

 

I apologize, I don't mean to diminish your discovery.

 

http://ohmura-study.net/611.html

（「偽物」や「合わせ物」が国内ネットオークションに急増!!! ）

↓

"Counterfeit" and "fake" items are rapidly increasing on domestic online auction sites!!!

Rust and an aged appearance can be easily created using chemicals. Please don't be fooled by this. Also, we often see toy swords with "Emperor" stamped on the scabbard or blade. These are mostly made in China. The Imperial Japanese Army equipment never had "Emperor" stamped on it.
It is very difficult to identify "fake" items (combining genuine and fake parts) based on photos alone (see actual auction examples).

WONDERFUL SITE!  THANKS FOR SHARING!

[War in Pacific]

I really appreciate the feedback I received from all who provided input regarding the Katana I purchased. Presenting an item to forum members was backwards. I didnt spend much on it & received great input. Now that my ability to identify an NCO Katana I find I can't afford one (right now).

Ya'll demonstrated the strength & level of knowledge forums like this bring to the table!