I don't think it is historic, but I like the sword...

[Eddie Smith]

I think it isn't a historic sword, but it is aged. it was on ebay, and I do know that that is a GOOD SOURCE FOR JUNK! But I do like the design, the side rings and Viking like pommel to me look nice by design, but kinda think and clunky. However I wonder if anyone knows what it is? by that I mean it has marks on the blade, but I have no clue what the symbols are. and the design is European in style not really Eastern. But is in an older thing or some kind of cheep tourist junk? the blade design at the tip is odd also, rather more like a gladius than a longsword. so my thought is it is a nice design that incorporates some unusual features, but when and where is it from?!?

[Eddie Smith]

It is on the blade, and according to a translation dictionary 'hakubo' is Japanese and means 'aunt' in English...ok that didn't help. Maybe it is initials or something and not one word...hummm

[Eddie Smith]

http://www.eudict.com/?lang=japeng&word=hakubo

[Eddie Smith]

google translates hakubo to English as hakubo, ie no def. but then gives a 'did you mean' of some kanji that when clicked on say 'twilight' again odd
http://translate.google.com/#ja/en/hakubo
http://translate.google.com/#ja/en/%E8%96%84%E6%9A%AE

[James Brazas]

Could you post a pic or a link to a pic?

[Eddie Smith]

Yeah I guess I did forget the link, was rushing and kinda forgot...my mistake here it is...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/200893673165?_t ... 97.c0.m619
and if it for some reason doesn't work search e-bay for
'UNKNOWN ANTIQUE EXECUTIONER ? SWORD HEAVY BRONZE HANDLE CHINESE JAPANESE MARKS'

by the seller j.b.antiquesandarts

[Ed Rybak]

Hmm, I checked out the photos. Looks like a heavy showpiece to me, and doesn't scream "antique", though I'm really not one to judge. Maybe someone else can offer an expert evaluation...

I can say, though, that the only "Japanese/Chinese" markings I see are random chicken scratch. (The sort you get from a mall tattoo "artist" whose supposed masterpiece "Dragon Ninja Lord Eternal Honor" has characters broken, upside-down, and suspiciously looking like a cribbed "No. 18 - Beef Chow Mein with Broccoli".)

[Stacy Clifford]

I'm no expert appraiser, but that looks pretty likely to be a cheap Victorian (or later) replica. They made a lot of them back then, mostly for looks, not function. It doesn't look like a very high degree of craftsmanship went into it.