CheddarBeard Posted March 27 Report Posted March 27 Bought this at auction believing it to be a type 98 shin gunto. Now that I have it in hand, and after a reddit post, im worried it might be a fake. Is it? if it is, does it even have any value? Quote
David Flynn Posted March 27 Report Posted March 27 Chinese copy unfortunately. Not worth much. 2 Quote
CheddarBeard Posted March 27 Author Report Posted March 27 On 3/27/2025 at 11:43 AM, David Flynn said: Chinese copy unfortunately. Not worth much. Expand Great. Do you have and sources or anything to back that up, just to help me in potentially arguing it? I understand you're unlikely to know much about UK law, but I'm guessing theyve suitably protected themselves against this by describing it as "early 20th century katana" Quote
CheddarBeard Posted March 27 Author Report Posted March 27 On 3/27/2025 at 12:02 PM, Matsunoki said: Where did you buy it? Which auctioneer? Expand bearnes hampton & littlewood Quote
Brian Posted March 27 Report Posted March 27 The geometry is completely wrong, the habaki is completely wrong...very typical of Chinese fakes. Markings on the habaki (and these are gibberish) are typical of fakes and not present on real ones. The handle wrap is completely wrong...not even close. The edge "sharpening" is completely incorrect, and even if was present on a real one, would render it worthless. Can't tell if any of the fittings are genuine, but it's irrelevant anyways. And this style of fake is generally modern, so calling it early 20th c is misleading, and I would think subject to a refund. Man...that habaki is bad. 2 1 Quote
Matsunoki Posted March 27 Report Posted March 27 They are a decent auctioneer. I’d suggest pointing out it is a more modern Chinese fake and show them the comments you have received on here. See what they say. It definitely isn’t early 20thC. Quote
Bruce Pennington Posted March 27 Report Posted March 27 Adding to Brian's post - none of the fittings are legitimate Japanese craftsmanship. Quote
CheddarBeard Posted March 27 Author Report Posted March 27 On 3/27/2025 at 2:03 PM, Matsunoki said: They are a decent auctioneer. I’d suggest pointing out it is a more modern Chinese fake and show them the comments you have received on here. See what they say. It definitely isn’t early 20thC. Expand I've been in touch, they agreed to refund. leaving this up in case it helps others, but in fairness they sorted it right out. now to just figure out how to send it to them. Thanks all for your help 1 1 Quote
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