Warning signs

1. Low starting price with ultrahigh postage
2. Private feedback
3. Descriptions of everything but the item for sale
4. Poor images
5. Lack of response to requests for information
6. Large amounts of the same item means it is not unique
7. Payment requests for cash or bank transfers only
8. Do not be fooled by 19 20th century it means 1999
9. Images taken directly from the Japanese Sword Index (as they don't sell on eBay and don't endorse eBay sellers)
10. Swords that mysteriously are stuck in scabbards, these are often Solid Molded Costume Swords
11. Provenance of incontestable origins

I have bought and sold Japanese Swords in the past and do have some experience of what I am saying.  If you want the genuine article, I strongly recommend not buying any swords from sellers in China or Hong Kong unless they are members of internationally recognized Japanese sword collecting organizations.

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