Thoughts on this nihonto?

[Minseito1941]

I am thinking it is a type 3 remounted post war in new koshirae. Worth purchasing as a gamble?

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/355005582611
 

 

Moved from the military swords section as this is more on topic

[David Flynn]

Looks modern Chinese, to me.

[Minseito1941]

The menuki look genuine gunto so I assumed remount from old gunto blade

[David Flynn]

Remove the Tsuka,  Show the Nakago, and we'll see.  The menuki are probably repro.

[Minseito1941]

I don’t have the sword but the menuki look like the ones on my 98 gunto

[Minseito1941]

Ignoring the fittings how does the blade look? The hamon doesn’t look acid etched and I think I can see some hada. My eye is far from trained though 

[David Flynn]

The blade looks Chinese.  If it was a real Nihonto, it wouldn't have sold for that price.

 

[Soshin]

On 9/2/2023 at 11:44 PM, Minseito1941 said:

Ignoring the fittings how does the blade look?

 

From what I can see in some of the photos the blade looks like a bad modern reproduction. Consider yourself lucky you didn't "win" this ePrey auction. 

[ROKUJURO]

Don,

the answer is simple: It is not a NIHONTO.

[Jon]

Seller has another blade listed exactly the same has before…clearly got a batch from china….but the seller is very clearly and carefully making no claims about the blade. With a returns policy that has a 20% restocking charge when people realise what they have purchased and want to give it back. 

[Minseito1941]

What were the giveaways if you don’t mind me asking? I need to know what too look out for now 

[John C]

51 minutes ago, Minseito1941 said:

What were the giveaways if you don’t mind me asking?

Don:

Others can tell you much more, however to get you started:

1) notice the hamon is just a dark line. Modern blade with clear sign of oil quenching; not necessarily indicative of a fake, but not a good start.

2) notice the squared edges of the tsuba. Modern manufacture.

3) the tsuka shape is too "squared." A Japanese tsuka would be more oval in shape.

4) the materials used on the tsuka are not traditional. 

5) military style menuki would probably not be used on a modern rig coming from Japan.

These caught my eye, though others may disagree.

 

John C.

[Guest Simon R]

Looks like an acid etched hamon to me rather than even an oil quench.

 

One alarming detail is that the Chinese are now twisting the tsukaito in the correct manner. They are obviously learning from the criticisms voiced on this and other sword forums.