NCO Shin Gunto question

[tengudori]

Hi,

an aquaintance showed me an NCO Shin Gunto Katana, just pulled it out of the closet the other day to my complete amazment, go wonder.

He aquirde it 17 years ago. I was stunned to see the condition, it looked untouched except for the usual wear around the Habaki and such, the saya has a few minor wear marks, the blade still has it's shine, no file marks, a couple of scratches at the tip of the Kissaki, everything about it was right. It's pre 1945 and is the second type made (painted Aluminum Tsuka). He asked if I could find out how much it would be worth today. he's not selling, just curious.

 

Thanks all.

 

Pierre G

[waynes]

Hi, I see them at local shows around US $500.

[Brian]

Wayne,

 

The NCO swords, being totally machine made, are of course only really of interest to Japanese militaria collectors, or those collecting military swords of Japan. I used to see these on eBay a year or 2 ago going around $350-400 regularly.

With the current interest in Japanese swords, I have noticed these climbing rapidly on eBay and on militaria websites.

They now go around $500-750 depending on condition and matching serial numbers.

I would expect a fine condition one like yours (assuming matching numbers) to go around $750 if you are lucky. Personally I don't feel they are worth that..but it is the current trend among the militaria guys

 

Regards,

Brian

[tengudori]

Hi,

Thanks all, I'll pass on the info.

As far as machine made katanas go, it really is a nice piece.

 

Pierre G

[BC Smith]

Hi Pierre if you want more info on the NCO gunto try here

 

http://www.h4.dion.ne.jp/~t-ohmura/gunto_070.htm

 

Ohmura san has done a fantastic job on info about all gunto with this site.

 

Bernie