Droocoo

Thanks Dave, Yes in the earlier comments a link to that thread was posted. The stamped numbers on that thread look a lot different to this font. Andrew

I made a mistake with my previous comment - Samurai Monkey did not apologise to me, another seller did (but also did nothing about his listing). This is what Sumari Monkey had to say on YouTube (he has not responded to me on eBay):

Stunning blades on that thread Andrew

My question is then: 1. What is the purpose of stamping the habaki if that number does not appear on the saya or anywhere else? 2. Surely Chinese swordsmiths did not sign their blades. If this is a Japanese swordsmith, can we identify who it is? The font on this habaki does not match any of the others in that other thread. This appears to be an 'Arial' typeset looking a lot more modern and uniform than the others. The patina of the stamped numbers appears the same as the surrounding habaki, so I assume that they are contemporaneous to eachother. Andrew

I messaged him informing him of his deception and he thanked me but hasn't changed his listing: https://www.ebay.com/itm/WW2-Japanese-knife-DAGGER-DIRK-collectible-antique-leather-case-navy-/114190141808

John, I agree that the saya and koshirae look original, so we are on the same page there at least! Andrew

I have just come across this: "WW2 Japanese knife DAGGER DIRK collectible antique leather case navy" Looks like a KA-Bar to me, but I am no expert. Andrew

Thank you both for your responses, John what points to this being original? Kind Regards, Andrew

https://www.ebay.com/itm/WWII-Japanese-TYPE-98-ARMY-SHIN-GUNTO-SWORD/363101040235?hash=item548a822e6b:g:7goAAOSwmTddVI9- That is the listing, sorry

Hi all, On my quest to learn more, I have come across another eBay seller listing this "Type 98 Officer's sword". The habaki appears to be stamped in what I would describe as a hopeless attempt at fabrication: The blade appears "signed" although of horrible quality. The Saya looks okay to me although I am not sure about the Koshirae. All in all, this one looks terrible to me. Am I barking up the right tree here? Kind Regards, Andrew

His videos are hopeless, I have learned absolutely zero from them. Andrew

I have seen this tanto for sale - I would advise staying clear. I have seen something similar in my grandparents’ house

Thank you for your responses, I think I will purchase Dawson’s book from Grey. I have purchased my first Gunto and will post when I receive it. Andrew

Thank you, I can agree that the quality is horrible. A caveat that auction estimate often has little to do with authenticity. At 1,200-1,400 pounds would you take the punt? Andrew

Thank you, It is more so learning for me WHY this sword is wrong. I am a medal collector - an expert in that trade. I can tell you in minutia how a naming on a medal precludes it’s originality. But swords; I have a lot to learn. Kind Regards, Andrew

What would be the most up to date record? I just wanted to say that I am greatly appreciative of all the responses I have received thus far. Kind Regards, Andrew

Hi there, I found this on an auction site, but it does not line up with any gunto that I have seen before. It is advertised as a "military officer's sword". I am assuming this is a knock-off piece. The Tsuba looks cheaply made and the handle is bound crudely with jute rope. The blade bears no hamon and looks of poorly-finished steel. The scabbard however, appears to be bound by leather. This seems a little out of place for a "fake" or "copy". I am still coming to terms with what is and what isn't a bona fide sword, so am searching far and wide to see as many examples as I can and improve my pattern recognition. Andrew

I have purchased this from an Australian vendor very cheaply, is this a reputable book?

Hi there, I am new to collecting and have an interest only in Imperial Japanese Swords of WWII vintage. I was wondering what the best books on the subject were? I have seen books by Dawson and Fuller, the former being very expensive and the latter not so much. Any help would be appreciated. Kind Regards, Andrew