Real Gunto?

[Kayato]

I just bought what I was told was a Kai Gunto from a WW2 collector, but I have never owned any real Japanese weapons from this era before and so I have no idea what to look for.

 

It came with an allegedly real naval flag, and I was told that the collector was sold the sword and flag by the family of the officer who originally possessed it. The family that owned this also sold the collector a uniform, but I was unable to buy it at that moment -- if all checks out, I will certainly return and purchase it soon so I don't separate this officer's belongings!

 

My main concerns are that the blade appears to have either never been sharpened, or only lightly sharpened in the past. I also can't really tell if the ray skin is fake or not. Right now I only have a few (bad quality) photos, but hopefully this will help!

[IJASWORDS]

Definitely not a navy Kai Gunto, as it is a Shin Gunto army style. Need to see the tang, but there are some reproduction parts on it. The tzuka definitely not original wrap.    

[Bruce Pennington]

I’m afraid this appears to be a fake. But it’s not a kaigunto, it’s pretending to be a Type 98 Officer gunto. They were making fakes before the war was even over, and many more right after the war. Many G.I.s got duped.

 

Further confirmation can be had with pictures of the tang. Hope you didn’t pay much. I still have the bad fake I bought years ago.

[Kayato]

Can't seem to get the pin out of the handle, is there a certain way I'm supposed to remove it? I don't want to damage anything in the process. Thanks again, but unfortunate if fake .

[Bruce Pennington]

One side is often fatter than the other. Plus the wrap is covering, most likely, the fat end. Just have to try both sides. Sometimes I’ve had to grab the peg with small pliers. It just bamboo, if damaged they’re easy to replace ($3).

[Kayato]

One side is often fatter than the other. Plus the wrap is covering, most likely, the fat end. Just have to try both sides. Sometimes I’ve had to grab the peg with small pliers. It just bamboo, if damaged they’re easy to replace ($3).

 

 

Definitely not a navy Kai Gunto, as it is a Shin Gunto army style. Need to see the tang, but there are some reproduction parts on it. The tzuka definitely not original wrap.    

 

I appreciate the help guys. Unfortunately, it's very clearly a fake -- no part of the sword was signed or stamped, including the tang. The tang itself looked brand spankin' new with absolutely 0 rust or damage of any form, and the inside and edge of the handle where it used the same material as the "ray skin" looked like it was falling apart in the same way wood splinters

 

I'll try to get a photo once my phone will cooperate with me. I will attempt to return this since the collector runs a store and then go look for an actual Gunto. 

 

Thanks again!

[PNSSHOGUN]

Certainly try and return it, the flag may be original but the sword is absolutely not.

[raaay]

its a repro IMHO ,sorry

[Stephen]

Cant make the call untill nakago seen and better shot of kissaki.

[Kayato]

Cant make the call untill nakago seen and better shot of kissaki.

 

Here ya go, hopefully better quality than the other images

 

 

On another note .. does anyone have any personal recommendations for a reliable Gunto vendor? I'd really like to get an actual Kai Gunto once the refund goes through.