Beginner needs help - Gunto

[ThomasP]

Hello everyone!

 

I'm a beginner and want to buy my first Gunto. My problem is, I'm not an expert. I've only recently started learning everything about swords.  I still have a lot to learn.

This Gunto is for sale. Price is 1600,- Euro

- Is the price ok?

- Does it all fit together, all WW2?

- I think the blade is good, but what about the rest?

- Should I buy it or is it a bad buy?

Many thanks for the help!!!

 

Best regards

Thomas

[ThomasP]

[ThomasP]

[ThomasP]

[ThomasP]

[Ray Singer]

Thomas, here is the bio from Markus Sesko on this smith.

NORIMITSU (徳光), Shōwa (昭和, 1926-1989), Iwate – “Ōshū Gose-jū Minamoto Norimitsu kore o saku” (奥州御所住源徳光作之), real name Yasumoto Tokusada (安本徳定), he worked as rikugun-jumei-tōshō

[robinalexander]

4 hours ago, ThomasP said:

I still have a lot to learn

Welcome Thomas, nice sword but ....first things first.

 

You may not have done it but we never (ever) place the blade (or complete sword for that matter) on any hard surface, like a tiled floor....I can feel many cringing when they see that one.

 

I'll try and find the 'sword etiquette' tips and post them for you, unless some else chimes in first.

 

Rob

 

 

 

 

[robinalexander]

Thomas have  look at this link...provides some good information for newbies.

 

Nihonto message Board:- Knowledge base and Articles  .. if that link doesn't work, go to NMB home page, then Nihonto Info, then FAQs. A lot to absorb there!

 

There used to be a link to Japanese Sword Care and Etiquette but the link appears broken @Brian ?

 

As to your original question, IMO that price is around current market value.  Its a Type 98 Officers sword Imperial Japanese Army.

 

Should you buy it or not?????  That is very much an individual question.  We all have a different collecting focus and that often changes over time. I refer you back to the link above.  

 

Rob

[Kiipu]

Rob, you worry too much!

Manual Of How To Handle And Take Care Of Swords

[John C]

7 hours ago, ThomasP said:

Should I buy it or is it a bad buy

Thomas:

I wouldn't say it's a bad buy, but I would agree it's at the top of the market. Pluses include the origami and the tassel. Being papered suggests it is water quenched, since mass-produced, oil quenched blades generally do not get papered.

 

John C.

[Itomagoi]

Hi Thomas,

I don't know who is selling this sword, but my opinion is that 1600€ for a Gendaito in very good "black" mount, tassel and origami is a top offer. The polish seems to be original. Nice!

 

The only negative is probably the new tsuka maki work (wrapping the handle), as it was made as a katana and not as a tachi. But that's just my opinion.

 

Best regards
Peter

[Volker62]

sharp eye Peter

 

all in all seems a good deal

 

maybe it would make more sense not to put everything on the tiled floor, without a soft base

[Volker62]

Habaki looks a bit shiny

 

gilded or gold foil?

[Brian]

It's papered. That is a big plus. I'd say that is a very decent deal.

[Geraint]

Just to add to Peter's observation it seems that whoever did the tsuka ito was not experienced as the wrap appears to be all one way rather than alternating.  An easy thing to have rectified.

 

All the best

[ThomasP]

I don't own the sword, I only have the pictures.

I would never put the blade (or the whole sword) on a hard surface, such as a tiled floor. I promise. But that doesn't seem to be so important to the current owner. Sorry, but not my mistake.

 

The blade has a small damage.

[Itomagoi]

Yes, I have seen the chip. But I still think it's a good offer. Does the sword come from the EU or do you have to pay customs duty?

[ThomasP]

Shipping from EU. No customs duty for me! 

[PNSSHOGUN]

More information in these silver/blackened Koshirae:

 

https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/31724-significance-of-silver-plated-type-98s/