Lowenly Posted June 9, 2016 Report Posted June 9, 2016 Hello there. I am a rather casual sword collector, and have been recently been looking into purchasing a gunto or nihonto of some kind. I'm trying to shop smart, but also not break the bank, and I realize that this puts me in the crosshairs for scammers and fakes to sucker me into a bad purchase with an inauthentic item. I know the basics of how to spot an obvious stainless steel wall-hanger or modern replica, but beyond that I'm out of my depth, and could use a hand. I encountered this possible shin gunto online recently from an antiques dealer who "is not a sword expert" (red flag thrown up instantly). The sword seems rather poorly made, which leads me to suspect it's just an old Chinese fake, but it's in pretty rough shape overall so perhaps that's just age and improper handling; I'm not skilled enough to tell. The tang in particular seems very bizarre to me with its chips and rough perimeter, and I'm not sure what to make of it. I personally don't mind the rust and damage since I think it gives it character, but if this isn't a real gunto I'd rather not bother. Would anyone care to give me their two cents? Thanks in advance! Pictures attached. Quote
Greg F Posted June 9, 2016 Report Posted June 9, 2016 Hello sorry to be the one to give bad news but im pretty sure this is a chinese made fake. All the best. Greg Ps. Please sign all posts. Quote
Bruce Pennington Posted June 9, 2016 Report Posted June 9, 2016 Clearly not Japanese. Even if it was something from an occupied country, it was poorly made. But the tsuka wrap is too new to be original war-era. Quote
tokashikibob Posted June 9, 2016 Report Posted June 9, 2016 Interesting to see how far the Chinese have progressed in fakery. Don't think it's a occupied territory piece as they would have done the tsukamaki much better at least. Quote
Chango Posted June 9, 2016 Report Posted June 9, 2016 I'm not an expert but it looks like chinese fake-aged garbage and definitely not even a legit gunto. I wouldn't buy it. Quote
vajo Posted June 9, 2016 Report Posted June 9, 2016 This looks terrible ugly. I didn't think it's chinese. Looks like Takkatukka Land. Quote
Lowenly Posted June 10, 2016 Author Report Posted June 10, 2016 Thank you all for such a quick response! Even though it turned out to be nothing, it's nice to know for sure from an expert's mouth, so I really do appreciate it. Perhaps I need to resign myself to the fact that a real gunto is going to cost REAL money... And it seems that at least Bob got some more enlightenment in the world of fakes; never hurts to learn more about "the enemy". -Jonathan Quote
jeep44 Posted June 10, 2016 Report Posted June 10, 2016 I see you are in Michigan. On Sept. 17 & 18, go to the Michigan Antique Arms show in Novi, Mi. You will see at least one seller with genuine Japanese swords there, but better plan on spending around $1000. Quote
Lowenly Posted June 11, 2016 Author Report Posted June 11, 2016 Douglas, that antiques show has definitely piqued my interest, and I'll certainly consider it. Thanks for bringing it up! Just popped over to the nihonto board and realized how completely out of my depth I am on the antique sword front. I think I'm going to have to sit down before I hurt myself... and my wallet. -Jonathan Quote
Shamsy Posted June 11, 2016 Report Posted June 11, 2016 Interesting to see how far the Chinese have progressed in fakery Luckily some not far at all as this sword demonstrates! Quote
Johncstroud Posted July 23, 2016 Report Posted July 23, 2016 Looks like made in India brass from the 70s Quote
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