This page is designed to provide current information for collectors. I will tell you about new books of interest and research projects underway, answer Japanese sword questions if I can, and tell you about fakes and frauds in the marketplace. My email is jimdawson@stenger-scott.com.

Fakes and Frauds: Let me start this first entry on this new page with a note about fakes and frauds as it concerns Japanese government swords. In my new book, I have notes in many of the chapters about misrepresentation and out right fakery. In some cases the sellers are just mistaken, but in most cases I am convinced that they are up to no good. Most fakes are sold through on-line auctions. One buyer was victimized so many times that he changed his buyer’s name to “fakeswordbuyer.” How to protect your money? (1) Buy my book of course (a shameless plug, I know). (2) Check out this page every once in a while for fraud updates. (3) Go to shows and examine as many swords as you can. (4) Visit fellow collectors who will show you their collections. (5) And check out the Internet Sword Collectors webpage titled “Reproductions and Fakes and swords Mistaken for Japanese.” The web address is www.geocities.com/alchemyst/repro.htm

Fraud Alert #1: In a recent on-line auction, a sword reported to be a Manchukuoan sword was offered for sale from China. The handle sports the crossed Manchukuoan flags and the Chinese plum blossom, but the sword is a fake example of the Grade 1 Manchukuo Imperial Army sword (There are four grades). The brass handle has been artificially aged, the blade shape is incorrect, and the grip is white ray skin or similar appearing material; originals of this model had leather grips. I cannot identify the seller or show you his copyrighted photographs, but I can show you a photograph of a genuine Grade 1 Manchukuoan sword.

New Books: Our friends and fellow Banzai members Raymond and Martha LaBar are working on a new book titled Bayonets of Japan (by Raymond). Expected completion: Spring 2008. Contact the LaBars at P.O. Box 742 Tunnel Hill, GA 30755 or go to their website www.bayonetsofjapan.com

My new book Swords of Imperial Japan 1868-1945 Cyclopedia Edition is now for sale with expected delivery about December 10, 2007. You will notice PayPal buttons for U.S., Canada and Mexico, and all other international. We are using U.S. Post Office (USPS) Priority Mail “flat rate” boxes for all shipping, domestic and international; and there are three rates, one for the U.S., one for Canada and Mexico, and one for all other international. The USPS has greatly simplified its rate structure, most probably to stay ahead of UPS and FedEx. You will also note that for each of the three (U.S.; Canada and Mexico; and all other international) there are two buttons, one to order a single copy and one to order two copies. I promise, this is more than a shameless attempt to get you to order two copies. We can ship two copies insured for the same postage as one copy insured in the USPS flat rate boxes. Some collectors have already told us that they intend to order two copies, one to keep in mint condition and one to use on a daily basis. Want to know what my first Fuller and Gregory Japanese sword book looks like after 17 years of constant use?