kotkinjs1

So I came into owning a gunto I knew would require some work...I was able to purchase it for "project" price. What I can tell so far is that the tsuka isn't original to the blade....the hole through the grip doesn't align with the hole in the tang. It would require about a half inch-worth of seppas to make it fit. So, the question is, how to you get a right sized tsuka? I guess you have to ask a seller to measure exactly how far down the hole is? Or....drill a new hole?? That seems horrendous but I guess that's why I've seen tsuka with more than one hole? I've marked in blue where the hole should be for this tsuka to fit. Also, the Kabuto gane doesn't seem to be original either since the hole for the sarute doesn't align to the hole in the grip. Are those not 'standard' sizes? Different measurements from tip of the tang to hole in the kabuto gane I guess? Finally, I know it needs the locking mechanism for the tsuka to lock into the Saya. I'm almost afraid to ask now but does that come in different lengths/sizes also? Or will any old one do? Also, can anyone translate the signature? I'm most appreciative for any help the group can offer!

Ok, took it apart. There was a bamboo paper insert inside the grip that when I aligned better (?) - more forward inside the grip - it fits a little tighter and there is less play at the tsuba. Still noticeable bit not so loose as before. That being said I guess if I matched up the number (3 and 3) maybe that would be all it needs. Except now after I put it back together the scabbard doesn't fit as tight when fully closed against the tsuba. I don't know what the relationship is with the seppa and tsuba that I removed and reinstalled but I can't see why the scabbard wouldn't fit as tight now. Here's some photos and thanks for the ideas so far!

Thanks Logan; I'll take some photos later this evening and show what seppa there are. Maybe you can tell which might be missing. I think there's supposed to be an order, right?

Hi all, I recently picked up my first officer Type 98. What I didn't expect is that the Tsuba is very loose. There are 5 seppa - 2 in front and 3 behind the tsuba. Is it a matter of simply adding more seppa of the correct type and order to tighten up the fit? Thank you! - Jeremy

Yes, please!

Thank you all!

Hi all, what do you think about this Kokura stamp....fake? I've never seen one that looks like it was stamped with 3 individual circles....leading to the light mark within the center circle.

Neil, thank you; I'm following this thread to learn more as a beginning collector of common pitfalls, regarding ebay especially. Are the photos you posted reference of a good NCO sword, or a sword sold from one of the sellers mentioned here, etc?

Tojo carried a Colt 1903?? Wow.

Hello all, First, thanks to all who've helped answer my previous questions and point me in a good direction. Second, I'd like for comments on this gunto I'm looking at. I don't see a saya release button on the fuchi but I do see the leather collar/tab with snap. But the saya is a regular "type 3" and doesn't seem that it would accept that method. Also, does the kashira look odd with that gold paint? Maybe if it's a private purchase it could've been adorned as so? Other than that, no markings on the nakago, it does seem to have yasuri-me file marks, the ito seems to be nice, and a nice active hamon. So, is this a franken-sword, fake, or just a mismatched saya?

Thanks all. I'll continue the search for a better first example!

Thanks all for your help. Getting into nihontos is a bit daunting with the fake market being what it is. Even if this one is legit or a parts sword, I might pass if there are no other comments/concerns. I'm still learning what "market rates" are anyway.

Hi Bruce, thanks for the reply. Here's more photos as requested. -Jeremy

Hi all, first post here. I'd like to add to my small Japanese collection - mostly WW2 small arms at this point but I do have a Type 32 and a beautiful framed large yosegaki hinomaru - and I'd like to get my first Type 95 sword. I'm looking at this one, seems to be a decent aluminum handled middle type shin gunto. Does the Ījima Tōken Seisakusho trade stamp look correct? How about the SN? I'd be interested to hear the expert opinion here. Thank you!