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By the way - I completely forgot to add a pic of the tang markings....if anyone else sees anything else in these markings...Please let me know! It's much appreciated! Cheers! Rob

Hahahaha! Kev man! These are the only two Japanese pieces in my entire collection! There is something about these swords - you hold one and you can just feel the power behind it! They have a lot of character - and epitomize the Japanese in WW2 (for me anyways) - the same way the German helmet does for the German soldier! Glad you like 'em bud! I'm happy to have one of each now! Cheers! Rob

Here's that closeup of the ray skin....

The handle on the officer's sword is also a full 2 inches longer than the NCO type. Here's a pic to show that ....and another pic displaying the ray skin on the officer's handle under the wrap. It's darkened over age - or perhaps was in a smoker's home. It's pretty dark! Rob

Here are the two swords together....Damn...I think they look great together! Rob You'll notice how the NCO sword has the alum. handle and the "blood groove" in the blade....the officer's example does not display that groove.

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Well gang! These don't come cheap - and they're just not that easy to find anymore - but I was able to acquire this Japanese Officer's WW2 Katana and I'm psyched! I know this example is legit - it's been in at least three collections that I know of! Lakesidetrader took it in trade and I got her! Wooden scabbard that is nicely wrapped in leather. I took the leather off for some shots but won't venture down that road too often....wood is delicate - but solid and intact. Blade is nice too. Tang is marked "Hirotada made this" (litteral translation). I am in the process of trying to acquire more info on the maker and when/where it might have been manufactured. If any of you have any info, I'd love to hear about it! Here are some pics for you guys! Now I have an officer's example and an NCO example. I'm pretty happy with this one! Cheers! Rob

Hello Igor! Thanks for that info! So I guess it would be safe to assume that my sword was made in Tokyo? Thanks again! Rob

Cool looking buckles for sure.....they did whatever was most economical I guess. Nice to see these examples! Thanks for posting! Cheers! Rob

SUPER WOW....that's a nice one for sure! Fantastic condition. Cheers! Rob

Hi John! WOW...what a super looking piece! I'd love to see more pics if you have them! Just goes to show too: you never know where some of these items will show up! Cheers! Rob

way cool Ben....Thanks for posting man! Sure is nice to find those small time manufacturers....same quality - but fewer numbers! Thanks again! Rob

A little update: it looks like the Hewer would have been the property of Abteilung 804 of Arbeitsgau Magdeburg (not Mannheim)....Regardless...I'm one happy puppy to have this added to my collection! Cheers! Rob

Great buckles Ben....nice to show like that - the new collectors get to see just how different the eagles are when comparing makers. Love the Overhoff markings on the tab too! Real cool! Cheers. Rob

Very nice! I have yet to acquire a unit marked piece.....extra cool that you have the belt with it that shares the same markings! I like it a lot! Congrats man! Rob

Very Nice Ben! 58 all from different makers is one hell of an accomplishement! It would be boring if it was too busy to get one of each...I think half the fun is the hunt to track down the buckles you need! Keep it up buddy - great display case you've got there! Me likey! Cheers! Rob

Only Heer buckles - but man, you have got quite the collection....How many is it now Ben? Cheers! Rob

Re-issued? or Un-issued? Cheers! Rob

Very nice Ben! Still a lot of detail left on this example as well! Very cool! Rob

Great buckle with web tab....my only example is a Harmann web tab....Great example you have there! Thanks for sharing! Rob

HUBBA HUBBA! Nice buckle Ben! Congrats! The double markings on the buckle are an added bonus! Cheers! Rob

Hey Paul! I've known Ben for a couple years! Man, that long already! He's one of the good guys - and he's got Army buckles coming out the ying-yang! hahahaha If anyone has any Heer buckle questions - he's "da man"! Cheers! Rob

Congrats on this recent purchase.....don't you just hate the waiting!!! Great detail on that one.....I love it! Cheers! Rob

YIPEE! Another buckle man! Ben buddy....How are you doing!? Nice to have you on board! Looking forward to seeing some of the buckles you've acquired from all around "heer and there"....sorry man - couldn't help myself! Welcome my friend! Cheers! Rob