dave23

Hey thanks for the input guys- i paid next to nothing,so no big deal-it was more the curiosity factor.I didn't know that the chinese were faking shin-gunto as far back as the 50's-I thought their value to collectors was a relatively recent developement..that's what had me puzzled.I did feel a bit bashful about coming on here and asking you guys about such an obviously worthless piece of junk,so I thank you all for your kind replies! Dave.

Here are a few pics(sorry for the quality!).Whatever it is,it's fairly aged-the rust on the metal parts,and the condition of the leather are real.Given that faking ww2 blades is a fairly recent thing,it makes me wonder who would have bothered?... Thank you all for your opinions on this. Regards, Dave.M.

Thanks for the replies guys-I will try and post a photo today.This thing really is a piece of junk-it's just intriguing as it appears to be a fake of yesteryear....The blade has suffered an amateur sharpening attempt (in a garden shed by the looks of it)but the etching is still visible just in front of the tsuba.This means it is certainly not Japanese-but it IS old-the signs of age are real i think.Very curious...... D.M.

Hi all- I wonder if anyone has any info on a ww2 sword that I found in a junk shop.Having searched the net for a while I still haven't found a matching description.The saya is aluminium,painted green with brass fittings.The blade is machine made,of fairly poor quality.The tsuka is what's confusing- relatively short,with very deteriorated leather twisted wrap, over black painted wood.It is attached with a bolt under the end cap. The blade bears a serial number that runs across the width,and has some kanji engraved just above. Any help would be gratefully received. regards, D.Marshall