Bridges

@Bruce Penningtonthanks for the input Bruce! My version of Dawson’s doesn’t mention much about police Junsa but it does go into type 19 police models. I know before I left there were rumors of a version coming out concerning gunto but I failed to attain a copy. Still awaiting a translation from another community on the guard but I’m hopeful. Do you think there is a possibility of this having Manchurian influence? I could be wrong, but the kisaki is not similar to the copies I’ve seen and to me, reminds me more of copies from China but everything else looks correct.

Hello all, I’m finally returning after a leave of absence due to getting some personal things in order. Anyhow, I’m glad to be back! This is an intriguing Junsa with a blade in poor condition yet, some interesting features. The saya is painted black. A unique chain extends from the inlets of the guard to the pommel. A large “mon like” pin of the 10 petal cherry blossom is emblazoned on the right. But a non matching, irregular looking 5 cherry petal is on the left handle over a motif of possibly the sun? The habaki which is traditionally silver on these sabers is instead copper. The fuchi is elegantly engraved but the pommel has an oddly shaped, elongated end. The guard is even engraved (although I have not yet translated it)! The Junsa I have observed are often basic and standard in nature. This piece has several oddities uncommon to me on Junsa. I would appreciate input on this matter as I am considering bringing this into my collection despite the damaged blade. Edit:I have included a standard Junsa of mine for reference.

Thanks Bruce, I appreciate the feedback. I was a little cautious due to the saya being partially destroyed but the blade is in great shape. With this being a civil sword, I’m assuming it’s likely machine made and less likely hand forged? I apologize for no pictures of the tang, that would’ve been a great help

Hello all, as the title states a late war shin-gunto has somehow made it to my remote antique store and I need an opinion on the piece. The seller is asking 1,500 but has negotiated it down to 1,000 flat (cash USD). However, as you can see, the saya is severely damaged and he has noted the blade unsigned. The mekugi looks to be replaced and I am currently in my car outside this shop without my references in hand. I did not expect to see this so I did not attempt nor have the tooling to remove the mekugi to see for myself. My question is, authentication (first time seeing something other than a type 19 in the wild), his price point, and the tsuba looks oddly like the iron ones on “souvenir swords”. Whatever input anyone has would be greatly appreciated as I’ve never seen anything other than what I mainly collect (parade swords) in hand.

@DTM72Good eye Dan, the details look like molded playdoh and where the nut is peened appears recessed? What a suspiciously odd find!

anytime Bruce!

@Bruce Penningtonfound another on eBay, this time a parade saber with an interesting bohi as most type 19 bohi I have encountered are high and shallow. This one is deep and centered.

Hello all, For my militaria collector friends, there is a Junsa police sword on eBay for sale. If anyone is interested this would be worth bidding on as they aren’t very common. I’m not selling this but this would be a good buy for someone needing to fill a missing type in their collection. https://www.ebay.com/itm/295535940269?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=jAqOPYDZTOq&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=5b5Igx0HQ7e&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

@Bruce Penningtoni found another while browsing auction sites. This is a type 98 with no other markings than the W. Auctioneer says this one has 2 W stamps

Update! I won the bid at 137 USD! I was right about the saya, it is aftermarket and does not fit the length of the blade. If anyone has resources for type 19 saya let me know!

Thanks for the update Kiipu, definitely going to get a copy.

Great read Bruce, I wasn’t aware urushi was practiced historically, thanks!

@Bruce Penningtonthat didn’t even occur to me!

@vajopossibly? I’ve heard rumors of Chinese sayas of polished tin and this saya has me wondering if this is one of those examples. I also still can’t get around the star that is definitely not a kamon. With this being a basic type 19 (no lieutenant/general decorated backstrap) and all these factors has me scratching my head.

Hi all, I posted this in the mon section but never received a response. I also posted in a Reddit community and nothing. I’ve hit dead ends on Google as well. This is a type 19 with a star in place of the mon. Is it Manchurian? Another odd thing is that this piece is on eBay and has 18 watchers. This is an absolute anomaly for any type 19 with a mon on eBay. Something is special about this type and I can’t put my finger on it…HOWEVER, the saya is a red flag as it looks brand new while the condition of the sword checks out yet, if you carefully view the hilt. There is a red sheen or lacquer that is present in trace amounts. I have never seen this on any type 19. The presence of where the leather Seppa was can vaguely be seen but something is different