In overall good condition, an unsigned WW2 Japanese Gendaito Officer’s Shin Gunto
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Yes, Gendaito; Itame Hada (grain), Toran Hamon, Nie, small Fukure (forging flaw carbon pocket). Yes, with original sword knot / tassel (so the shin gunto was taken from the officer, not an end of war mass surrender sword).
This shin gunto katana is worth over twice what we are selling it for but for two things; the Habaki (brass blade collar) is in very poor shape (it has been repaired, not well – look and you will see most gunto habakis have been repaired, they are the weak point of the sword); it can move and prevent the sword from sheaving fully / properly (a replacement would be a great idea – you do see them on eBay, normally being sold by US and Japanese sellers), plus the pin locking mechanism works but is harder than it should be to release, partly because one of the koiguchi (scabbard throat / mouth piece) screws is missing, so the koiguichi moves (could be glued). Display wise, the sword is fantastic and the blade in good overall shape (a professional polish would definitely be a good idea as the blade would look amazing and increase in value). If a polish and other above work were performed, the sword would likely be worth 3+ times what we are selling it for.
The 26 1/4 inch nagasa (cutting edge section) blade is in good condition (some scuffs, staining and habaki area / caused / other scratches). Some movement in the tsuka / hilt and a small gap in between the tsuba (guard) and seppa (spacers), but otherwise very good and the locking pin mechanism of the fuchi seems to be good is a little tight. The ito, same and menuki are all good, some tiny loss near the menuki peg hole. The saya / scabbard in good condition. Up to the full sheathed point, the sword sheathes and draws well. The sword knot / tassel in good condition, a little frayed.
This is a great gendaito shin gunto with superb potential for a very low price, was £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference AH29. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box 108 118x14x14 (2.5)
