WW2 Katana Help

[Joe Dawes]

I need help identifying my WW2 Katana, have seen this design go for anywhere from $100-$1500.
I know the best way to tell whether a Katana is real is to take the handle off and look at the end of the blade for signatures. I have never done this and i don't want to risk damaging anything on my sword. Any help would be great, or if any of you know of places in St Louis, Indianapolis, or Chicago who can help appraise this sword and another antique sword i have, please let me know.

[TNcollector]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but I believe this sword is a chinese fake. The markings on the habaki are a red flag. Also the the fittings look off, like the patina on the tasbua and the sarute. In the case of removing the handle there are some chinese fakes that can be seen on ebay with fake kanji on the tang. I have not seen a fake with the file marks on the tang only on original swords so that is some thing to look for. Hope this helps. Best Regards, Robert

[AZPhil]

I agree with TNcollector!

Semper Fi
Phil

[kevinp]

Agree with Robert and Phil, i have one of these on my wall at home (50 RMB) as a wall hanger, the first dead give-away is the weight of the sword, so heavy compared to an original.
Best Regards
Kevin

[Alan M]

I can only concur , it's chinese , sorry Joe !

[Stu W]

Hi Joe,

Yours is, I believe, a reproduction piece imitating the IJA Officer sword Type 98. I'll attach a photo of an authentic piece for comparison.

Regards,
Stu