Learning more about this shin gunto

[dbdylan]

Hi! I have been doing more research in to the history behind my late grandfather's Japanese sword that he always said he acquired when fighting in WW2. I appreciate any eyes and opinions on any of the below questions:

 

• From my research, it appears to be a type 94, 95, or 98 shin gunto. It seems that the types are really hard to distinguish. Any idea what we're looking at here?
• I've done a little digging in to restoration but I've heard that it can hurt the value. I don't plan on selling it ever, really, but don't want to unnecessarily harm it or its value.
• My grandfather never had its scabbard. I'd like to hang it on my wall and have it stored more safely - any scabbard-buying tips? I have some local sword shops around.
• I'm assuming it is factory-made, as most shin guntos are factory over hand-made from what I've read. There are inscriptions on both sides of the tang, pictured below. Any more information on the maker or manufacture date based off of the inscriptions? I am considering paying a translator on fiverr - anyone had any luck with that?

 

Again, appreciate any input. Thank you!

 

Dylan

[Ray Singer]

No need to pay someone on Fiverr.

 

Signed Kanehisa (swordsmith name) and dated June, 1943. 

 

 

[Bruce Pennington]

Hi Dylan!  Welcome to Sword World!

You can do some very enjoyable reading while getting educated at the same time on Ohmura's fabulous website: Military Swords of Imperial Japan - Gunto.  But in a nutshell, the 'types' were based off the year each model was released.

 

Type 94 - Army officer, released 1934

Type 95 - Army NCO, released 1935

Type 97 - Navy Officer, released 1937

Type 98 - Army Officer, released 1938

 

The main difference in the 94 & 98 is that the 94 originally had 2 belt hanger loops, so with a saya (scabbard) that clue is lost.  However after learning a bit from John, @PNSSHOGUN, the off-set locking latch on your handle (tsuka) most likely makes yours a Type 98.

 

Can you do me a favor and slide the handguard and spacers down and check under them for small stamps?  They can often be hidden up there, higher on the tang (nakago).

[dbdylan]

59 minutes ago, Bruce Pennington said:

Hi Dylan!  Welcome to Sword World!

You can do some very enjoyable reading while getting educated at the same time on Ohmura's fabulous website: Military Swords of Imperial Japan - Gunto.  But in a nutshell, the 'types' were based off the year each model was released.

 

Type 94 - Army officer, released 1934

Type 95 - Army NCO, released 1935

Type 97 - Navy Officer, released 1937

Type 98 - Army Officer, released 1938

 

The main difference in the 94 & 98 is that the 94 originally had 2 belt hanger loops, so with a saya (scabbard) that clue is lost.  However after learning a bit from John, @PNSSHOGUN, the off-set locking latch on your handle (tsuka) most likely makes yours a Type 98.

 

Can you do me a favor and slide the handguard and spacers down and check under them for small stamps?  They can often be hidden up there, higher on the tang (nakago).

 

Thanks so much Ray!

 

Bruce - thanks for sharing the website - checking that out. I slid the hand guard and spacers down and looked closely for any other markings higher on the tang and no luck!

[robinalexander]

HI Dylan, 

 

A link in regard to sword handling and care (courtesy NMB member Grey Doffin) https://nbthk-ab2.org/sword-characteristics/

 

In regard to obtaining a saya (scabbard) its always tricky to find one that fits without wasting a small fortune.  Yours has a chuso clip so ideally you would be looking for a saya that has a corresponding receiver in the koiguchi (thats the metal ring thingy that is attached to the top of the saya).  Your idea of trying local dealers first is good as you just cant beat trying before you buy.  Otherwise its a matter of keeping an eye on the Net /  Ebay or contacting dealers and there are a few mentioned right here on NMB home page.  It will need to be a military saya not civilian therefore it will always have one ashi (hanger) be made of steel or have leather combat cover over steel/wood.

 

In your quest for a saya, it will help all-round if you have a basic knowledge of sword/blade terminology (e.g.. sori, nagasa) and again, there are some great resources right here on the NMB home page.  You don't have to know them all, just enough to be able to recognize and then relate or research as required.

Rob

 

 

[David Flynn]

Hy Dylan, not mass produced.  This is a Gendaito, by Kanehisa, who was a good smith.

[MoeG]

I have either a type 94 with a latch or a type 98 with two hanger loops?

[ChrisW]

3 hours ago, MoeG said:

I have either a type 94 with a latch or a type 98 with two hanger loops?

 

 

 

 

Remember to start your own thread to get the highest possible chance of a response! And so you're not hijacking another person's thread.

BUT...  This blade is a fake. They NEVER stamped serial numbers onto the habaki (that copper collar that slides up against the blade). The shape of the blade is all wrong, the tsuka (grip) is not correctly made and I don't see any legitimate parts on this. It is unfortunately a lower-end fake, probably from China.

[Baba Yaga]

Hope the buyer can get money back unless they bought as a copy. 

[ROKUJURO]

Morgan,

This is the (traditionally made) NIHONTO forum. You will get the appropriate response in the MILITARY SWORDS OF Japan forum.

[vajo]

Jean the Kanehisa blade is a traditional forged Japanese sword. The other sword is chinese fake.

[ROKUJURO]

Chris,

yes, perhaps traditionally forged,

but the thread has SHIN GUNTO in the title and discusses military KOSHIRAE, so I would expect to see it in the military section where the experts are. We have different sections for a reason, and I don't think it is a good idea to mix them up. 

Rookies should have the patience to read first through the NMB and then post their questions.

[ChrisW]

And the elder sages of this forum should have the patience to guide newcomers who may not know all the rules, etiquette, and quirks of this forum. Its a lot to take in for someone new. No sense trying to make them take it all in at once!

[Stephen]

On 7/21/2023 at 12:46 PM, ChrisW said:

And the elder sages of this forum should have the patience to guide newcomers who may not know all the rules, etiquette, and quirks of this forum. Its a lot to take in for someone new. No sense trying to make them take it all in at once!

What he said!