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.

@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

What am I looking at?! It’s on a type 19 I’m considering purchasing and I’m very perplexed…

@Nobodythanks!

Thanks guys, I’m going to take the advice and wait it out.

@cju777hey Chris, seller took extremely poor pics so this is the best he had. As you noted condition is everything. Thanks @Bruce Penningtonfor linking the re-wrap experts. Much cheaper than I was expecting. Chris, the chip does have me worried. I’ll ask the seller if he can take pictures of the nakago and I’ll update if he follows through. I’m trying to limit my budget due to my upcoming wedding while also dodge junk as you mentioned. It’s quite the task!

@ROKUJUROhey Jean, you’re right. I’m going to find some resources and give it a go if I win. I’m just apprehensive on the cost/benefit of this buy if it turns out looking bad as you eluded. Thanks!

I’m considering branching out from type 19s as I’ve just about exhausted the category and now I’m considering shin gunto! I’m on a budget so a pristine model for the collection will have to wait and I am considering this type 98 with damaged tsuka. The first question is, can I merely wrap over the samegawa or will the whole tsuka need to be replaced? The bid is currently at 500 USD and a nice type 98 as many of you know is appreciating up to 1500. This seems like a good entry for me until I can save up for a nice one but is the type repairable? *edit* guy claims his father brought this back from WW2 so that may explain the reprehensible condition, blade also has a small chip*

Thanks guys!

@Bugyotsuji interesting, I did a search but no mon. Custom request by the purchaser maybe?

I need help with this mon on this parade saber. I don’t believe it to be the Ashina as the lines on mine are spread apart, irregular, and do not connect to an encompassing circle. Anything helps!

@GoldenDracheni have a patrolman/sargent short sword which is what your piece appears to be based off of as the dirks are typically WAY shorter than what you have. Maybe @Bruce Penningtoncan correct me but I’m pretty sure what you have is not the dirk but rather an attempt at a police short sword. As my model (which I will attach) is roughly the same length as yours. I’m not near my books so I can’t observe police dirks but if this isn’t a dirk and the short sword, there are several red flags. The habaki they used was German silver, not brass but i can divulge into the issues further if we can confirm this is not the dirk but the short sword. *edit* I’m going to list the differences anyways: First thing to note, this model was NOT blunt. The Sargent/patrolman model was sharpened for use and was intended to be used, not blunt. The rank above Sargents were blunt but they were NOT this model, they were the type 19 parade swords with a half decorated backstrap and so on and so forth. Furthermore, a genuine patrolman sword had “German silver” habaki, not brass. That is not period correct. Thirdly, your scabbard is off. The bottom of it appears to be rounded instead of coming to a point. Fourth, your hilt does not sweep up like mine (that is how they secured the sword to themselves through the holes) there are several red flags here.