Help Identifying And Value Of Sword

[zeelander]

Hi,

I have just inherited this sword from my father, it was from my grandfather.  I would like to know if it is authentic. If so what would be an approximate value? I was told it was brought home during WW2 in pieces by a great uncle. I've attached some pictures.

 

Thanks for any help you can give me.

 

Ed

[Kronos]

It's a WW2 naval Kai Gunto with a stainless steel blade. They used stainless steel on the naval Gunto's to avoid rusting due to salt water etc.

It appears to be missing the Tsuba and it only has 1 ashi and some other anomalies, but I think it's a marine version which had some changes to the normal Navy ones.

 

As to value, whatever someone is willing to pay

I did sell one that was more complete in slightly better condition a couple of years ago for $750ish as a rough guide.

 

I'm sure someone much more knowledgeable in Gunto will come along to correct me.

[zeelander]

Thanks for the info.

[vajo]

Thats a after war sword. There are some notice about that version in the i-net.

It was made from pieces for the US Troops as a souvenier and to earn some money.

[Stephen]

sorry Chris, James has it right, lets not pass badinfo.

[vajo]

Stephen i saw many of these swords in the past. In germany there are sold two on the egun plattform. Some called it Naval NCO Sword. All the same with these anchor stamp, cut nakago, type98 ashi, simple black saya, eg.
I could be wrong but i think I'm right. All are sold around $550

All the fittings of this sword is Typ98.

 

There are so many differents to a usual Kai Gunto

 

(from ohmura study)

 

You find something in the book on late-war kai gunto.

Warman's World War II Collectibles: Identification and Price Guide

von Michael E. Haskew

 

on side 234

[Stephen]

http://www.japanesesword.com/Images/Swords/12/412/412KAT4/412KAT4.htm

 

You may be right i really dont know, i have seen plenty of late war Navy that had black gunto saya, i dont think they were put together by GI....any of you Military collectors want to jump in?

[vajo]

Ohmura study had all elements listed that a Kai Gunto must have.

 

http://ohmura-study.net/907.html

 

Why is that kind of sword (Type98 in naval color) not in the list? 

 

 

This is the anchor stamp i know for Kai Gunto

[Mark]

i am no expert on these. That being said i have been involved with swords for 30 years. I have seen hundreds of these swords and bought and sold dozens. My opinion is these are late war Navy of some type, NCO, cadet, or similar. There are just too many that are made the same way to be "put together". They come from Vet's and vet's families that brought them back. They are certainly lower quality than the early Navy swords but i see a lot of low quality late war army swords.  Just my opinion

[Stephen]

more than a few Navy arsenal stamps. Where are our Navy guys when we need them?

[Brian]

These have been discussed in F&G too, and it seems there is no consensus. They use a Kai gunto blade, but not the typical tsuba. Always have those bright "gold" fittings.

I have also seen so many, I don't think they are put together or fake. But they aren't strictly speaking Kai Gunto.

[vajo]

Brian these gold fittings are almost Type98 Gunto parts.

 

I search the half day for this article of that Japanese Company how built this swords after the war from parts. Maybe someone knows what i mean.

 

I have a lot of books about WW2 Gunto Swords but in none is such a sword discribed. And there are so many out there.

[Kronos]

Like I said, late war kai Gunto but modified for marines specifically as they were used on land and made accordingly for certain practicalities that regular navy troops wouldn't face.

 

I'll try to find my source when I get home. $550 does seem about right.

[Brian]

I think someone said that Japan Sword assembled them. Not sure how true...

[Reddawn27]

I have seen a few of these.. They seem to always be in pretty good condition. I find it odd that no one can ever date them nor pin down what exactly they are other than being a late war Kai Gunto. The ones I've seen go for about 1000$ each.

[Kiipu]

Tenshōzan souvenir sword number 二.  Bruce, I thought you had gone through NMB for all these?

@Bruce Pennington

[Bruce Pennington]

Thanks Thomas!  No, the one's I've found were due to using "officer sword" in the search.  It was a general catch-all looking for any stamps, souvenirs, and brown tassels.  Your "anchor" search will get the rest for us!