Koa isshin mantetsu

[peet]

Hello everybody,

 

I'm looking for an authentic koa isshin sword and came across this offer:

 

https://www.ebay.de/...2:g:BYcAAOSwELNnHGGM

 

Do you know the seller? What do you think about it? Is it fake? Is it worth the price?

 

Thanks you so much.

 

Peter

[Ron M]

That one is in pretty bad shape, and the koshirae isn’t great either. Wait and find better

[Tensho]

Quote

Blade is in very good condition,  mounts are in excellent condition.

 

I just love these descriptions from these sellers. Apparently they're living in a fantasy world. The blade in mounts are in rough shape. The tsuka ito has been re-wrapped and incorrectly at that. Minus all the finish loss. 

 

To restore this would cost you as much as one in great shape already. 

[Bruce Pennington]

Hi Peter,

The blade is a legit Mantetsu.  Like Stephen has posted, Mantetsu prices are on the rise.  Pre-COVID they were all over $3,000 USD, and it seems they are headed that way again.

 

The seller is a member here, and I've not heard anything negative about him.  There are 3 (including this one) listed on ebay right now, but I see you are in Germany, so it may be the only one on your version of it. Ebay Mantetsu listings

 

I don't know the EU market for re-wraps, but in the USA it only costs $300 to re-wrap a tsuka.  The rest looks Ok to me.

[peet]

Thank you for your fast answers! Actually, I can see a second sword on ebay but people seem to have mixed feelings concerning this seller: 

 

https://www.ebay.at/...2:g:ZuoAAOSwPzVnQ9bo

 

[Bruce Pennington]

That's a good looking blade.  He sells a LOT of swords.  I've had some good experiences.  He even took one back for full refund, once.  Been known to change fittings around, now and then.  So, you never know if they are original to the gunto.  However, that's true of any sword you buy that wasn't a known "Brought back by my grandfather" sword.

 

This one looks like one of the seppa is a substitute.  Tsuka might be re-done, but hard to really say with the photos.  Overall, looks nice.