Identification help?

[DaveA]

Colleagues,

I have received information privately from several trusted sources that compels me to conclude this sword is a recent and reasonably well executed forgery. I am posting this message in the public forum for the record with the hope that it helps prevent anyone from using the commentary in this thread as a basis for authentication. The details will remain private so as not to educate forgers.

Thank you every one for your public and private comments. I'm honored by your attention to my questions.

Kind Regards,

Dave A.