Sword Auction

[Droocoo]

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

[PNSSHOGUN]

Yes, a Chinese fake. Even the lowest grade island made swords are not this crude.

[Droocoo]

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

[PNSSHOGUN]

With this sword.....well, everything is wrong with the possible exception of the Saya. The handle is a mess, the fittings are junk, the blade is poorly shaped, the habaki crudely stuck on. You won't see such crude features even in the most questionable island sword or late war 'last ditch' examples. 

[Droocoo]

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 

[Dave R]

 Funny enough, the binding is in classic Chinese military style, as in correct for a Ming Dynasty Dao..... and no I would not take a punt on that one.