dwmc

Even as insignificant as it may be, these cut as opposed to deteriorated tassel ends continue to show up. It could lead one to believe that there was definite reason for it...examples of both below.

And another variation; :鍔 Tsuba Dragon Armor Sengoku Warlord Diagram Musha Battle Map Inscription Sword Japan Sword Imitation Sword Japan Sword Orthotics Armor Age Kurade■From Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture J4 24-3945 /【Buyee】 Buyee - Japanese Proxy Service | Buy from Japan!

Tsuba Dragon Armor Sengoku Warlord Diagram Musha Battle Diagram Named Sword Japanese Sword Sword Imitation Sword Sword Tsuba Japanese Sword Equipment Weaponry Period Storehouse ■ From Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture J4 24-3944 /【Buyee】 Buyee - Japanese Proxy Service | Buy from Japan! Yep, and on it goes...

Ok great, I see I'm just the latest to fall for the ruse. Hard to believe the prices the thieves are asking, but then again, what's new with fraudsters, only paid $27 US, yet still........

Excellent information Dale...Thanks much!

Thanks Justyn and Dale. Agree, things just didn't seem right with the tsuba...

Additional photos

Recently purchased this Tsuba from Japanese dealer. I'm puzzled with the kanji, I believe it is Goto Chengjo with possibly a Hanayoshi kanji symbol (kao). Was there a Goto smith Chengjo or is this a Chinese copy ??? Thanks in advance, Dave M.

Left handed gunto??? Chuso on opposite side? Am I seeing this correctly? Dave M.

Signed sword is Sukemitsu. Showa 18th year~1943

No doubt John your tassel is in the process of deteriorating. Very interesting that metal device was used for tassel end interior foundation... Something most of us have never seen, thanks for sharing! Dave M.

Example of deteriorating tassel with strings falling apart. 

Back in July of 2023 in Bruce Pennington Topic "All-Brown Army Gunto Tassel" a question was brought up as to why some tassel ends were removed from various Tassels. Someone suggested the reason may have been to intentionally deface the tassel as often occurred with other Japanese military items as they were surrendered. I suggested the possibility of removal as a memento easily put in one's pocket as a way of remembrance. Another individual suggested the missing tassel end was more likely simply deterioration as to intentional cutting and had nothing to do for sentimental reasons which is quite possible. This is one of those questions with Japanese sword study which may never result in a definitive answer, however, we may be able to determine the absolute difference between deterioration and cutting. A couple of examples of both were offered. Below the ball of a tassel the lanyard is folded back and sewn, as a tassel end deteriorates and falls away the folded area most likely has no other choice but to remain intact. On the other hand, a cut tassel end has been obviously cut which leads to the question as to why. Of course, we may never know the exact reason for obvious cutting but leaves us to contemplate the possible reason,,, Below are examples of each... Dave M.

I was aware of Japanese swords my entire life as my father had brought home several from WWll as a young 11th airborne paratrooper. However, my first personally purchased sword was a Sadakatsu Shin Gunto purchased at an antique show. I was in my late 20's.

About the time you think you've seen it all...a Chinese fake of a Chinese saber, Geez!!!

I don't think I've ever seen an oil quenched in a Choji type hamon. I'm probably 100% mistaken but seems as though (of course without researching the matter) most oil quenched hamons appear to be Gunome pattern?

Sent you a PM Oliver. Please check your message box. Dave M.

It is extremely difficult for me to believe, even an off-mainland Japanese swordsmith would leave a nakago looking like this one does. Most if not all of these mystery swords appear to be forged with a very different mindset than a traditional Japanese smith. For instance, non-Japanese smiths appear to have a decent amount of forging skill but seem to feel there is no reason to put real effort into a nakago which won't be seen. Although, many of these swords show a fair amount of skill level but are invariably much, much lower than traditional Japanese. Dave

Beautiful sword Oliver. Where in Idaho are you located? Would love to see your sword in person. Very nice Shin Gunto indeed... I'm in the Boise area, Dave M.

Blade appears much better...decent overall condition.

Fairly typical war type polish. Hamon mostly visible, appears to be faint yakote, of course a bit of rust for unrestored war time blade, probably would consider average to low average blade condition. $2000 maybe???

Every Ebay seller has to start at some point, however caution and communication is as mentioned highly advised! Agree with Brian and Hamfish, sword isn't worth paying above $2500 and would offer $2000 to start. Blade doesn't appear too bad from the limited photo but requests more blade pictures. Should seller accept and lower offer as Hamfish suggested leave it alone and enjoy...

Definitely proceed with caution...

Good advice from Bruce! The sword appears to be excellent condition...

nagamitsu World War II Sword. | eBay