Possible Shin-Gunto?

[blackhatcadillac]

Apologies if this in any way violates board etiquette -- I'm very new, and though I've read the FAQs, apologies nonetheless just in case.

 

I've come into possession of a sword that I think -- I mean my best guess -- is that it's a shin-gunto, maybe or maybe not made with an older blade. I haven't had the guts to disassemble the hilt yet. It measures just shy of 30 inches from guard to tip, and ten inches for the hilt. There's an inscription on the hilt, however, that makes me wonder -- it reads 四 川 美 仁 仙 (sì chuān měi rén xiān) which makes me think it has a Chinese origin, in Sichuan province.

 

I've posted pictures here:

https://picasaweb.google.com/blackhatca ... directlink

 

If anybody has any hints as to what I have, I'd really appreciate it.

 

Thanks!

 

Richard

[Basho12]

It appears to be a Chinese reproduction.

[Grey Doffin]

Since no Japanese sword ever looked like that it isn't a reproduction. It's a fake.

Grey

[sanjuro]

I'm sorry Richard but this is a fake and not really a very good one. The watered effect on the blade is common on Chinese swords that are passed off as nihonto on a market that is not generally well educated and frought with reproductions and fakes such as this. I hope this didnt cost you too dearly.

[blackhatcadillac]

Aw, thanks guys. A little sad, but it didn't cost much at all. I picked it up at an estate sale because I thought (and still do) that it's aesthetically pleasing. I thought it might have been Chinese. At least now I won't feel nervous about removing the hilt for a better look at the tang

[blackhatcadillac]

One more thing: is that waterey effect produced by acid etching?

[sanjuro]

that waterey effect produced by acid etching?

 

Yes. It does not necessarily reflect that there are two different steels used in the forging of the blade, and is strictly cosmetic.

[blackhatcadillac]

Thanks Keith