PNSSHOGUN

That's the trick with these Kamon, many families use or are associated with a single Kamon. Fascinating business, hope to see some more photos of that Kyu Gunto!

Take a browse through this list: https://doyouknowjapan.com/symbols/ Also please sign your posts with your first name as per forum rules.

If you can get one of these cheap for exactly what it is then I see no issue, but we need to make sure that collectors are aware the mounts are most likely of post war assembly.

Even though it is wartime it's still of interest. Alot of Kai Gunto are regarded as Showato due to them being made with various stainless steel elements for increased resistance against corrosion. I didn't see any arsenal stamps on the tang so you may have gotten lucky with a Gendaito, but I wouldn't keep all my fingers and toes crossed.

I don't see what any of these arguments have in relation to collecting or proper togishi. You don't need to explain your justifications as to why you think a high level service should be available for pennies on the dollar or why us, as a forum dedicated to the proper collecting and care of Japanese swords, would get irritated at someone asking us to recommend someone to do the exact opposite. If you have no interest or respect for what we are trying to achieve here I'm not sure why you are registered as a member.

All four had the same pictures as well. At best low grade martial arts swords possibly from Japan.

Debatable, towards the end of the war signatures and stamps fell by the wayside in some factories, it seems. Factory made blades have telltale features which must be taken into consideration if no stamps or signatures are present.

I'm referring to the many martial arts grade shinsakuto out there, not fine examples worthy of sending to Japan!

Not so sure really, reminds me of Mitchells Mausers a little....

The Kunisuke could be of interest, matches 2nd generation signature. In fine Kyu Gunto mounts with family Kamon. Aoi art listing of exceptional example: https://www.aoijapan.com/katana-kawachi-kami-kunisuke-2nd-generation And a similar example to RIA item: https://www.aoijapan.com/wakizashi-kawachi-kami-kunisuke-2nd-generation-4 If it goes below maximum estimation not a bad catch.

May as well do it yourself, at least you won't spend alot on ruining your sword! Shinsakuto are usually shipped with a martial arts polish for a reason. You simply can't get a good "cheap" polish, I'm afraid.

Interesting read, post war frankensteins it seems. Still using wartime manufactured blades though, good candidates for Tameshi. I feel a little less regret I passed on one for $750 now.

No mystery here, it's a Kai Gunto!

Thanks for the replies all, I have had a few private offers and am in contact with Doug. I am also red with anger at some of these lovely little anecdotes you all seem to have about Generals Grade swords for pennies on the dollar! Generals Grade often have the highest quality fittings and finish, hard to tell sometimes but the differences are there. Family Kamon, gold plating, high grade samegawa and ito. Not uncommon to find them with Mantetsu blades either.

Yes, most Uda school examples I have seen after early Kunimitsu have coarse hada, nothing to be concerned about.

Early Shinto is my guess.

Hello all, looking for Generals Grade shin gunto, ideally with Tassel. Background and provenance even better. Best regards John

A highly accurate Tsunagi or 3D printed model is your best compromise if you absolutely cannot send the actual blade for whatever reason. Considering you will need to send or transport the blade for either of these starts to turn it all Catch 22.

I can't say I've come across an example in my experience, perhaps a custom order from the Officer?

Pictures speak a thousand words.....

$1500 is a very good price for a piece like this in good polish, amazes me sometimes to see JyoJyo Saku work this affordable when you also see rusted, sanded down shinto katana or shin gunto for nearly as much. Always worth checking proper dealers out as opposed to ebay or other less scrupulous channels!

Yes, bring your own light source and magnifier if you really want to appreciate these swords, lighting, glass and distance can obscure alot, especially on such reserved swords like this. Does anyone know when the polish on this blade is from?

We can see how grand and prestigious the gift of a fine sword from a Daimyo or Shogun to a retainer, or another Daimyo, could be.

He could have done worse, at least this looks a little better than the regular junk you get on ebay.

Overall the quality of these chinese blades is getting very high, not to mention the polishing. Good enough to fool novice or beginner enthusiasts quite easily. It's not like the old days of "sharkskin antique samurai sword".