People - would you say this was "made in Japan at any time according to traditional methods of forging swords".??
This is not a new "made in China" item!
Overall length - 46"
Blade length - 34"
Hilt - bound with brown cord, a bit of damage near the hilt, brass end cap
Blade - heavy quality steel with applied silvery scrolling, including a stylised dragons head. Fitted onto the hilt with a copper/ brass fitting. Single edge, hatchet point.
Scabbard - wood covered with shagreen, sharkskin finish, part stained tan, part green.This has one or two little knocks where the finish is chipped. It could be laquer.
Tsuba - 3", in copper, with a stylised bird, peacock, swan?
I thought that "collectors arms" would be exempt - but this is the full text of the Act-
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2008/dra...110810324_en_1
I dread to think what this means for my collection of 19th/20th century cavalry swords!!
Opinions gratefully received!