Any idea what this is please

[GN174]

[ROKUJURO]

Looks like a Japanese military sword (or a copy thereof). More and detailed photos (tang, tip, blade ...) are necessary to make an assessment. 

[GN174]

its in a local auction - that is all they have provided, wondered if it is worth a punt

[Geraint]

Hi Graham.

 

As Jean says, so far it looks like a Shingunto but be careful, if you can't get to see it hands on then you need to know that fakes/reproductions are getting close and it would be hard to tell from just these photographs.  For what it's worth as far as I an tell it is at least what it seems to be, what the blade is I can't tell.

 

Let us know how it turns out.

 

All the best.

 

 

[GN174]

it will probably cost me £250 if I want to find out by buying it, auction is at other end of the country and so driving there to view is out of question. 

[kissakai]

Don't the auction house have more images or try asking for a condition report

 

[Geraint]

Hi Graham.

 

If your £250 is based on the auctioneer's pre sale estimate bear in mind that general auctioneers have little specific knowledge about Japanese swords and may be way off.

 

All the best.

 

[PNSSHOGUN]

Yes, a Shin Gunto. From those pictures it appears to be authentic and of potential quality, the mounts look decent. Worth a punt for sure.

[GN174]

Went for £600.00 so will never know

[Geraint]

Ah well, perhaps someone here bought it and we will find out.

 

Commiserations, Graham!

 

all the best.

[GN174]

I hope so would like to know just out of curiosity