Need help authenticating a Kai-Gunto

[ChappyMan]

Hi all, apologies for not being knowledgeable. Swords aren't my area of expertise whatsoever.

 

Recently, I came across this auction on Ebay. (NO BLADE) I doubted the authenticity of this Gunto as, according to other posts on this site, it had some signs of being made postwar. It lacked the rising sun Seppa, and only had one Ashi.

 

However, I also noticed that this had accurate Naval fittings, and not Army ones. It also appears to be worn and showed signs of use.

 

In the end, I decided not to bid and it sold for 200USD, which I think would be a decent price if it were real.

 

Could I also ask- is it possible that the Rising sun seppa was removed at some point? It has a large, recessed oval area on the Tsuba which would usually be covered by the Seppa. I don't think I've seen a configuration like this before, but the other Seppas do seem to fit well.

 

Pictures are attached below, thank you!

 

[Bruce Pennington]

Looks like one of the late war rigs.  
Like you mentioned, you can see where the daiseppa used to be by the wear lines in the tsuba.

[robinalexander]

2 hours ago, ChappyMan said:

I doubted the authenticity

Hi Keaton, 

 

I'm with Bruce (at least) and will even go out on a limb and say that your initial thoughts were well founded.  I think its post war make-up from some WW2 parts.

 

My observations......

1. Semegane is missing.

2.Bottom Ashi is missing ..although this is not entirely unusual and is often missing from WW2 blades particularly when they were fitted with a leather combat cover.  BUT, its just another tick against for me on this particular koshirae.

3. Canvas Same...possible late war but also quick and easy for post war make up

4.The  sarute and ito both look very new i.e. maybe not WW2

5. Kabutogane dosnt match other Kai fittings...in fact I don't think it is regulation maybe not even for late war (I will wait on others views on that) but in any event, it doesn't match.

 

and as Bruce said the Dai seppa have definitely been removed therefore it is incomplete

 

So in all, your decision not to bid was a good one in my view.

 

Have a gander at the site below, you will probably find it interesting particular given your recent 'foray' into the Gunto world 

 

Military Swords of Imperial Japan (Guntō) (ohmura-study.net)

 

Rob

[ChappyMan]

Thank you Bruce and Robin! I tend to collect uniforms and equipment, however Guntos are certainly very interesting and I will look into them.

[Ian B3HR2UH]

It looks to me like it has been put together . The seppa look really interesting though . Are they gold foil covered ?? I have never seen that on a Kai gunto so perhps they come out of the dealers parts box as well 

Ian Brooks

[PNSSHOGUN]

That seller seems to only deal in Gunto Koshirae, some are original and others look very questionable like this example.

[John C]

Could be the camera angle, but it looks as if the tsuba were made for a tanto or wak and the seppa were made for a katana (different size nakago holes).

John C.