After my father passed away and we were going thru the atic, we came across what I believe is a legitimate Shin-Gunto. I think it is one of the machine made ones from what little I know about metal work. Have seen many pictures online, but none seem to match this one exactly. The wrap on the handle is actual cloth, though it is slightly disintegrating with age; most of the photos I have seen the handle wrap appears plastic. The paint on the scabbard appears original, and there doesn't seem to have ever been any modifications, the tsuka appears to be original as well. I understand that the tang may contain a signature or date or other information, but I am loathe to disassemble the sword, as I am not very mechanically inclined and I don't want to damage anything.
I guess I'm just trying to see exactly what it is I've got and if it has value (as in should I get it insured if I hang it in the house). Any help would be greatly appreciated; here are a few pics and I can take more if necessary.
