dwmc

Beautiful sword Oliver. Where in Idaho are you located? Would love to see your sword in person. Very nice Shin Gunto indeed... I'm in the Boise area, Dave M.

Blade appears much better...decent overall condition.

Fairly typical war type polish. Hamon mostly visible, appears to be faint yakote, of course a bit of rust for unrestored war time blade, probably would consider average to low average blade condition. $2000 maybe???

Every Ebay seller has to start at some point, however caution and communication is as mentioned highly advised! Agree with Brian and Hamfish, sword isn't worth paying above $2500 and would offer $2000 to start. Blade doesn't appear too bad from the limited photo but requests more blade pictures. Should seller accept and lower offer as Hamfish suggested leave it alone and enjoy...

Definitely proceed with caution...

Good advice from Bruce! The sword appears to be excellent condition...

nagamitsu World War II Sword. | eBay

Very (early) 8650 serial # !

Fairly close Fish. I think the procedure is actually called "Machi-Okuri" rather!

Excellent Ed...very rare indeed! You don't often see your green saya variation in collections. However, one does show up occasionally! Thanks for reply! Best regards, Dave

Additional photo. This green color saya was apparently not that popular during the WWll years due to the rarity they show up. Even (Neil) from Australia doesn't own one to my knowledge. 

Another excellent WWll Shingunto with rare green saya. Oki Kunisumi Okimitsu sword smith 1945. For sale presently on Jauce site.

I've spoken and dealt with Bill Rannow at several sword shows. This would be extremely untypical behavior by him. Hopefully there's reasonable explanation. Hopefully you'll receive your sword soon... Best regards, Dave M.

Fair enough Fish...would still love to take a look at the nakago though!

I agree with John, way overpriced for condition. However, definitely a (been there) relic. Interestingly has upgrade same' with Oya-tsubo and appears to be a hand forged older blade. Would like to see the nakago, otherwise maybe $600 top and possibly $900 with signed Shin Shinto or older blade.

Same sword shop...Yes. Dave M.

Dan, I don't know if your sword could be considered a fake. As I mentioned others would have a definite opinion. Stephen and the others have studied Japanese swords for many years and are quite expert. It seems when your type of sword shows up occasionally, it goes automatically to the Chinese fake category, which may be perfectly true. For some reason it seems true Nihonto enthusiast are repulsed by your particular type sword. The term Island sword is a bit of a misnomer and is sometimes loosely used to describe what may possibly be a crude sword made in one of the Island chains Indonesia, etc. These swords have been kicked around many times on the board with some very convincing debates from all sides. In reality we will probably never know the origin of your sword. I myself am a bit perplexed by these crude (whatever they are) and curious as to who would take the time to pound out something attempting to resemble Japanese type sword. Probably unrealistic but maybe try and follow it back to previous owners for info... Tryston (@Bangbangsan) may have idea of what your sword is, he seems to have knowledge of the non-Japanese swords... Best regards, Dave M.

Interesting, a peg hole after all! Hope you didn't damage it in the process of removal. I would still maintain it is not Chinese but Island Sword as the tang is rather crude and lacks inscription. However , others may have a different opinion. Dave M.

Hello Dan, Your sword appears to be an Indonesian (Island sword), probably wwll era or earlier. I suspect the handle is attached by some type of adhesive rather than a peg and would be damaged in an attempt to remove it. (I seriously doubt there would be inscription on the tang). Any type of rust removal product would be ok to use. These so called "Island swords" show up occasionally and are definitely not Japanese but are somewhat interesting nevertheless. I'm sure others will share their opinions... Best regards, Dave M.

A wise man believes only in lies, trust only in the absurd, a learns expect the unexpected! (Roald Dahl) Another small example of a seemingly parallel dimension we reside in currently. One only needs to take a brief look around...

Very rare green saya color variation. Appears WWll era. Close to the color shown on Ohmura's Gunto site. Sword is for sale on Ebay presently. Dave M.

Very nice-looking sword Perry albeit tsuka wrap damage and tsuba most likely not original to sword. Judging from the appearance of the nakago patina, yasurime all but worn away, with the mekugi-ana appearing to be drilled rather than punched, I would say Shinshinto, mid 1800's, about the same time period as the koshirae. I would use the same original colored Tsuka Ito were it me... Regards, Dave M.

Someone was selling these on Ebay several years ago. Claimed he had acquired a (shoe box) full. I foolishly bought one and yes, they are indeed extremely fake... Dave M.

@Bruce Pennington @robinalexanderAnother Buckle type Latch...Ebay WW2 Original Former Japanese Army IJA Gunto Koshirae w/ Sword Hanger Chain | eBay Dave M.