My shin gunto

[Ulrichrudel]

Hi everyone this is my first post, I’m mainly into Ww2 collecting but always fancied a katana (since forever).

over the years I looked at many but this one spoke to me…..don’t know why but it did?.

My question is this… is this a traditionally made blade or a war time example? I’m not fussed either way but would love to know.

There are no marks on the tang? And the fittings have numbers stamped into them, I am sure the fittings are all correct for Ww2 but…. Is this a “family” blade in Ww2 mounts? Or a non traditionally made blade?.

I have asked on another forum and opinions were 50/50? Any opinions greatly appreciated from the uk here.

 

regards, and great forum I’ve been drooling over posts!

[Ulrichrudel]

More pics…

[Ulrichrudel]

Last pics…

[ChrisW]

If you see dark clouds or peaks directly above the hamon, then that is usually the indication of an oil-quenched blade. The photos make it hard to tell unfortunately.

[PNSSHOGUN]

It looks to be a arsenal made blade, made of western steel circa late 20's. These were generally found in Kyu Gunto mounts and often unsigned.

[Ulrichrudel]

There are no dark clouds I’ll try and take better pictures, thank for the replies 

[Franco D]

8 hours ago, Ulrichrudel said:

is this a traditionally made blade or a war time example?

 

 Appears to be machine made steel and oil quenched.

[Geraint]

Dear Lee.

 

Welcome to NMB!  Your specific question has been answered but overall this is a nice package for where your interest lies, good condition, all fittings present and a surrender tag.

 

Enjoy!

 

All the best.

[Xander Chia]

I can’t tell what the first character in the tag is but the last four should be “松繁三郞”, Matsushige Saburo. Someone please correct me if I’m wrong.

[Ulrichrudel]

Thanks for the responses everyone, I agree it is a beautiful sword… very pleased with it.

had it a few years now and always admire it, can I ask the pin that holds the sword into the scabbard is broken…. The “tong”!that catches the scabbard  is missing, can these be replaced? Ie anyone sell them? Period I am after.

 

also thanks for the welcome 

[Michaelr]

Lee I was told early on that “ you don’t pick a sword the sword picks you “.  To me this is why people tend to be happy with a sword just because. Your sword is very pleasing to look at and looks to be in great condition. I would be proud to be its caretaker. 
  Stay here on this forum and you will learn a ton of information and see a lot of great swords. You will also have a opportunity to meet some of the best people in the world. Look up the care of a sword and read it a couple times and practice what it says. You are off to a great start. Thank you for sharing   

  MikeR

[FZ1]

Hi Lee,

 

There's a UK-based chap that has gunto spares.  I can't remember his name, but his email address is japanesewarriors@outlook.com and his website is https://www.japanesewarriors.co.uk/

Worth giving him a try for your broken/missing bits.

 

Cheers,

 

Jon

 

 

 

[paulatim]

Jon, Lee, that UK dealer’s name is Mark Davies.  I’ve found him to be an honest, reliable person.

 

Regards, Paul

[Bruce Pennington]

@PNSSHOGUN

 

John, what would you say about the fittings?  94 or 98?  It has the centered chuso, but the light-weight, thin tsuba.

[Ulrichrudel]

7 hours ago, Michaelr said:

Lee I was told early on that “ you don’t pick a sword the sword picks you “.  To me this is why people tend to be happy with a sword just because. Your sword is very pleasing to look at and looks to be in great condition. I would be proud to be its caretaker. 
  Stay here on this forum and you will learn a ton of information and see a lot of great swords. You will also have a opportunity to meet some of the best people in the world. Look up the care of a sword and read it a couple times and practice what it says. You are off to a great start. Thank you for sharing   

  MikeR

Thanks Mike, you are right it did pick me! I went in and out of the place I bought it for weeks! Eventual it’s calls in the middle of the night won and I bought it!

Never looked back, I am hugely into Ww2 so the fact it’s a Ww2 combat sword ticks all my boxes, I do love and appreciate “proper” katana but for me my interest is Ww2, and this ticks all the boxes for me .

thanka for the warm welcome to all replies…

[BANGBANGSAN]

Tag:赤松繁三郞

[Bruce Pennington]

I can't read the tag, nor Trystan's post.

 

Here's a google translation: : Shigezaburo Akamatsu