Mister Gunto

Closer shot...

I had originally thought the black overpaint on the Kyu was also period, maybe to cover the chromed scabbard for field use? But the scabbard ring was on upside-down when I got it. I took it off and flipped it, and you can see where the shiny metal is underneath. So, perhaps an old postwar repaint by some vet or earlier collector?

I think the Type 99 paint is original, possibly done when the blade was arsenal refurbished.

Here are my two with black painted sayas. First is a Type 99 Otsu, matching numbers on blade and scabbard. (Ignore the repro strap, just had to put it somewhere) Second is Kyu-Gunto with what's probably a koto ( muromachi) shortened Nihonto blade. Trying to upload from my phone, so please bear with me...

Looks like a really fantastic collection!

Fantastic pics! Love the Japanese light tanks.

Yikes! Makes me wonder if it's a wartime Showato with the Showa date and 2-Mei signature removed. As well as the end of the nakago ground away, and a fake "semi mekugi-ana hole" added to make it look as if it's a suriage older blade.

Beautiful blade! You can tell it's got some heft to it.

Hi Noah, and welcome to NMB! That sword is not a typical Japanese setup. The rattan-wrapped wooden handle is definitely not Japanese make. However, the tsuba (guard) and brass habaki look like they may be Japanese. The saya (scabbard)....possibly? But without better photos of the blade, not much else can be told at this point. With Japanese swords, a lot of information can be gleaned from looking at the tang. Not sure if it's possible to remove this handle or not? It may be a damaged Japanese WW2-era sword that was captured and later "dressed up" for sale by the locals in whichever country it was left in. It could also be a locally made copy of a Japanese sword with a few actual Japanese sword parts added on to make it look better. Collectors often refer to these as "Island Swords". American GI's brought a lot of these home after the War.

Beautiful blade!

Hi Den, that stamp is called a Showa Stamp. It's a WW2-era marking that simply indicates that the sword was not traditionally made. The majority of swords made in Japan during WW2 were not traditionally made, so these are very common to find. Your sword is still an original Japanese Type 98 officer's sword with a leather covered saya. A very typical set-up.

Nice piece!

That 2nd character is tough. Might be KaneMune? Date does looks like April, 1945 though. Are there any Arsenal / Showa / Seki stamps on it?

I like the Tachi-style mounts on that one.

Those leather finger loops apparently didn't hold up too well on active duty. My understanding is that when the swords were returned to the arsenals for refurbishing, they usually removed them and plugged the hole with a steel rivet. (My Type 99 Otsu got that treatment). Nice looking blade! You don't see the Ko's nearly as much as the shorter Otsu's.

Hi Ben, The stamp on the far left looks like it might be a Kokura Arsenal control stamp (post-1929 use per Fuller & Gregory's book). That seems late for the serial number. But it could also simply mean the sword was returned to the arsenal at some point for refurbish/repair and marked then for inventory purposes. Not recognizing the other two. Maybe some others can chime in? Is your blade 32" (Ko) or 30" (Otsu)?

Never seen a mei cut like that before on a WW2-era made blade. Looks like the sword was forged, then later the buyer wanted a bo-hi cut in? Interesting.

Cheers, Brian. Maybe set a monthly limit on items offered for sale by regular members (like 3-5 pieces, blades, tsubas, whatever). Above that it wouldn't be unfair to ask that the seller list as a Dealer or be a Gold Member.

At this point, I'm leaning towards it being a modern repaint. I have seen original Type 98's scabbards with a textured finish, but modern is probably the safer guess. At least until when/if other examples show up.

Just got a manual renewal notice. Updated my address...again... (have moved 4 times in the past 5 years, ugh, relationship drama...) and paid via Paypal, got the confirmation, no issues. Very smooth. Sorry for being so quiet lately. Hope to change that here soon. Actually have a few new blades I hope to show off and get opinions on. Have to say this is one of the most valuable and informative websites I've found on the internet. Even with my Nihonto books, I've learned far more from you guy's knowledge and experience. Happy 2023 to all of us!

Great video. Thanks Ray.

Don't feel too bad Steve. We've all had "the ones that got away". In the meantime, read through more of the threads here on the forum to help you recognise the next good one to dive in and buy...or recognise the bad and avoid wasting your money!

Beautiful blade Chris! Congrats!

Gorgeous piece!

Ouch!