Japanese Sword for Review - Machine Made (WWII)?

[Alan Smith]

All:


I recently received a call from a local gun shop re: a WWII bring-back sword (U.S. GI war trophy) that has been consigned to the shop for sale. Attached are a number of photos I took that, hopefully depict the relevant areas of the sword.


My best guess is (based on my very limited knowledge of Japanese swords, gleaned from this Forum) is that that sword is a machine-made example from WWII. That said, my educated guess is irrelevant . . . I would very much appreciate input from the knowledgeable collectors who populate this forum.


Any all input and comments would be most appreciated!


Also: No price has yet been set for the sword. As it is an attractive looking piece, I do have some interest in purchasing it for my personal collection (if a fair price can be arrived at). Thus, any value range estimates you have of offer would be appreciated as well. In making any such valuation estimates, please be sure to note that the tip of the scabbard is damaged/missing, so I want to make sure that this factor is included in any value estimates.


BTW: The very light white chalk-like substance visible in the swordsmith's markings was added by me at the time of taking photos; it is a very light dry powder substance that can be easily brushed away. Also, the sword was already dissembled when I encountered it.


Regards,

Alan

[Alan Smith]

Additional photos to assist in evaluation of the sword:

[Alan Smith]

I did not get a good photo, but one side of the tang has inked markings on it.

[nickn]

No shu seki ju kani Hisa saku kore
At least that’s what I think I can see on my iPhone without my glasses
Oil quenched machine made $6-800 I guess

[GHP]

Here’s what I see:

**於兼丈作之
**Oite Kanejo Saku Kore
This was made by Kanejo At **

I’m not that confident about my reading of 兼 (Kane); maybe; maybe not.

— Guy

[GHP]

No shu seki ju kani Hisa saku kore
At least that’s what I think I can see on my iPhone without my glasses
Oil quenched machine made $6-800 I guess

That might be ”Seki juu” 関住 with minimal strokes for the former, and extra strokes for the latter .... But I’m not sure. I can definitely see 住 but it has extra strokes on top and that confuses me.

??????

[BruceP]

Alan,

This is a nicely made Type 98 Shingunto. While the blade may have been oil quenched, and may have not been made of tamahagane steel, and I say MAY; it is hand-made and quite nice. Nick must have great sources to get gunto at his prices . Most gunto like this that I see are going in the $900-1,200 range, average $1,000.

[Logan09]

I would have to agree with nick. Plenty of nicer ones I have seen sell on auctions for under $900. This is in good shape but the blade does have chips in it which will not be worth the cost to polish out. You can get gendaito and older blades in mounts for easily $1200 range

[nickn]

Sorry Bruce it isn’t a gendiato
I put I gendiato on waf admittedly the tsuka needed a wrap but it finally sold for around $400
Showato unless mint are not great sellers

[BruceP]

Sorry Bruce it isn’t a gendiato
I put I gendiato on waf admittedly the tsuka needed a wrap but it finally sold for around $400
Showato unless mint are not great sellers

Wow, that’s incredible! The market has been really falling!

[Luis22]

That's a beautiful shingunto sword...also has a Mon,,,on e bay they go for around $1000.

[Alan Smith]

I very much appreciate all of the feedback received; you have been very helpful.


Here are a couple of photos showing the damage to the tip of the scabbard. Is there any chance I can get the missing end piece replaced (by a knowledgeable craftsman) with something that would approximate the age/look of the fittings on the balance of the sword?


Also, I have made an offer on the sword . . . I will provide an update if the offer is accepted.

[BenVK]

You can sometimes get Kojiri on ebay although it's not a big deal that it's missing.

[BenVK]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/WW2-Japanes...cAAOSwrTFdab6g

[BenVK]

Just an observation but very long nakago on this blade that's been shortened.
Unusual for a run of the mill showato?