What is this Gunto?

[Kolekt-To]

Hey guys,

I just saw this up for auction on the invaluable site. It's described as a veteran bring-back NCO sword, but to me it does not look like an NCO sword (though perhaps it was carried by an NCO?). I think it looks more like a civilian sword of the Showa period. There is a signature on the tang (but no markings on the other side of the tang). Also, it comes with a small tag with name of the veteran who obtained the sword (I did not post that photo here). What exactly are we looking at?

[DTM72]

It is signed Minamoto Yoshichika. What is a little unusual is Kore Saku at the end...usually it is opposite.

The tsuba appears to be just plain iron resembling the plain tsuba on the tpye 3. The handle is typical type 98's as well as the leather covered saya, NOT NCO. The tassel is plain brown, as the Navy would use. This looks to be a mix of stuff, but the blade is from a well known WWII smith.

 

http://www.japaneseswordindex.com/yoshchik.htm

http://www.japaneseswordindex.com/oshigata/yoschika.jpg

[Rich S]

The second generation signed with Kore Saku.

Rich

[DTM72]

1 hour ago, Rich S said:

The second generation signed with Kore Saku.

Rich

Rich,

If you look at the first link I posted above, there is an example on nidai signing Saku Kore. Trying to compare Kolkt-to's original picture of the Mei to the Shodai and Nidai...I'm finding elements of both in his signature. I cannot say with any certainty which generation this is.

[Bruce Pennington]

It is an officer sword. Most likely originally fitted in civil fittings, then re-fitted for the war.

[Kolekt-To]

Thanks for info guys! Here's a photo of the Tsuba. I think it adds evidence to support Bruce's sentiment that it was originally civilian, then re-fitted for the war.