Pineview Surplus

Yes, I had done that and I did see the price range. Without fully knowing the nuances of this particular sword (or any of them really), I was hesitant to base my valuation on ebay listings. I appreciate your information and advice!

Fascinating information, thank you! This was exactly what I was looking for. Now, if anyone might suggest what a reasonable retail price for this item might be, I'll have all I think I need. Remember, I'm not asking for an appraisal per se, and I'll not source any information I get, but I'd like to sell it for the gentleman in my store and I want to be sure I'm not over or under valuing it. Thanks!

Thank you very much for that! As I know literally nothing about the smiths for these, can you possibly provide or point me to information regarding this smith? I don't even really know how to read the translation, i.e. which is smith's name, foundry name, date, etc.

Thanks to all who responded. I see this thread has fallen a bit and I don't want to spam post. I am still hoping for some estimate of value and a translation of the signature. I don't see a way to edit the title of this thread to reflect that it's a Type 98 in hopes of more info. Also, is there another area for me to post in asking for translation? Thanks again!

That's what I've been doing, thanks!

Thanks for the advice. I have done several wipes and will do a few more over the next day or so and leave the thin coat as you suggest. And here I thought the prints would help provenance!

Thanks for the welcome and clarification! If I'm reading your link correctly, this would have been an officer's sword, correct? It seems the wood and leather scabbard was associated with these in the very late war I would assume, due to material shortages. Also, with your mentioned "combat" mountings, would this sword have been used as a weapon if needed and not just for ceremony? I was able to remove the wooden dowel and remove the handle and it does appear to be signed. Pics attached.

Greetings from Northern Michigan! My name is Robert and I own Pineview Military Surplus and Museum. I have been using various militaria forums over the years to assist in identification and valuation for items in the museum as we take them in and also for consignment items. The latter is what brings me here today. We took in three items from a customer to sell on his behalf: a Type 30 bayonet, a Type 32 cavalry sword, and the item pictured here, which I believe is a Type 94 Shin-Gunto. I know very little on these and even less on proper nomenclature, so please forgive my generic terminology and ignorance. I was hoping to get information and possible ideas as to fair value for these, although I don't know if the bayonet is acceptable to post here. (Suggestions?) I could not find any markings with my untrained eye. I have not removed the "grip" as I'm unsure how to loose the pin holding it and not cause damage. The leather scabbard fits it nicely, although I've not found images of this sword with leather. The customer's grandfather brought home all three items mentioned along with a battle flag as a group, so there's a bit of reliable provenance associated. I'll let the images do the rest of the talking. Any information is much appreciated. Thanks in advance!