shingen Posted January 9, 2011 Report Posted January 9, 2011 A good friend of mine from the U.S. bought this sword for his world war 2 collection. He asked me to help him but I have no knowledge of Gunto's. As a beginner I am devoting my time to learn the basics of Nihonto so I told my friend I would ask here. Would the locking pin that is clearly missing be repairable? That is of course, if he can find one. And what would this sword be worth in this state? Locking pin is missing and it is not in mint state. I know Gunto's are becoming more and more expensive but I myself have no clue of it's price. Thanks! Rick Quote
Turbo storm Posted January 9, 2011 Report Posted January 9, 2011 This sword is known as an NCO (Non-Commissioned Officers) sword. If you look closely, the tsuka is cast and painted aluminium. The numbers stamped on the blade are an assembly number, and matching numbers should be found on the saya koiguchi It appears that your saya is not the original one for the blade. The symbol just past the number on the blade is the arsenal stamp of Koishikawa. The three stamps on the fuchi represent on the left Kokura Arsenal (1929-1945), the center is Koishikawa (Tokyo) Arsenal (1870-1935), and the right is the Four cannonballs for both of the Koishikawa and the Kokura Arsenals. The blades are plain steel, and not tempered. These blades do not posses value as nihonto since they have none of the qualities. They do however have historical value to some WWII militaria collectors. These swords sell from $100-600 U.S.Dollars at various shows. As for the locking spring, you can sometimes find them cheap on ebay. Keep your eyes open there, or just make one. Hope this information helps. Quote
shingen Posted January 9, 2011 Author Report Posted January 9, 2011 You have been a great help Dan, thanks! Quote
Weidas Posted January 11, 2011 Report Posted January 11, 2011 Just to add some details: NCO type 95, variation 3 - with iron tsuka. sword looks produced by Suya company under supervision of Tokyo arsenal scabbard mismatch and looks like been produced in Nagoya arsenal(that's a pity as value drops by couple of hundred bucks) Quote
shingen Posted January 12, 2011 Author Report Posted January 12, 2011 Thanks for the information Vaidas! My friend bought it for 300 US dollars would that be a good price? Quote
Turbo storm Posted January 13, 2011 Report Posted January 13, 2011 Thanks for the information Vaidas! My friend bought it for 300 US dollars would that be a good price?On ebay in the US, those items are selling for $300-$750. Most are around the $500 range. I think your friend did well. Quote
shingen Posted January 13, 2011 Author Report Posted January 13, 2011 Thanks Dan, well I will tell him he is lucky then Quote
Weidas Posted January 14, 2011 Report Posted January 14, 2011 i wouldn't mind to buy for that price myself:) with matched scabbard and in good condition such sword should cost $700-800 in US Quote
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