What is this sword.

[ZachClark]

Well first I apologies about the bad photos. I was browsing a local gun store and found this in the back section. they have no idea what it is or the value of it. They are asking 900 for it currently. I do not know what model its or if the blade is signed. I was able to disassemble  at the sort time I was there. Looking for any help/guidance it is. thank you 

[Bruce Pennington]

It is a post war souvenir made by the Tenshozan factory.  Most of these that I see on sale run US$450.  If you take the handle off, it’s probably got a navy anchor stamp on the tang.

 

This one is unusual because the metal parts do not have the gold gilding on them.  If it wasn’t for the black fabric in the handle, I would say it is a late war army sword.  I suppose it is still a late war army sword, that simply just has black fabric on the handle. But that would be very unusual.

 

you can read about these here:

 

 

[Dave R]

I am going to stick my neck out here. I think the sword is a genuine late war Shin Gunto hilt, married to a blade and scabbard of a post war souvenir made by the Tenshozan factory. Give it a shake, it will probably rattle, and as such the value is of a WW2 themed curio.

[Bruce Pennington]

3 hours ago, Dave R said:

genuine late war Shin Gunto hilt,

Interesting idea, Dave.  The ito shows real use (hand oils soaked into the ito).  The souvenirs never (oops, shouldn't use that word!) show any wear and tear.

[Kiipu]

The souvenir swords run the gamut as for as parts are concerned.  The early ones would have used naval parts and when the supply was exhausted the switch to the more readily available army style parts.  For this reason, the early souvenir swords could easily pass as a naval sword.  No matter what parts were used, the goal was to have a nice looking sword for sale in the PX.  And finally, never underestimate the wear and tear of kids playing with Dad's bringback!