Late war shin gunto?

[Marcel]

Someone is offering a "shin-gunto" with a leather-covered saya, but the tsuka is also completely covered in smooth brown leather (not a removable protective cover as you sometimes see). The tsuba is made of iron, simple, round with one side slightly flattened. A round stamp is faintly visible on the flattened side. Unfortunately, I can't make much of it. According to the seller, it's supposed to be late war. A search on the forum hasn't yielded anything yet. Does anyone know if these versions existed?
Since I don't own the sword, I don't think it's appropriate to post the photos here.

[Brian]

Not a "version" but a personal field upgrade. You see just about any variation of tsuka covers. Soldiers who wanted them protected made a plan. Usually there is a regular tsuka under that. If not, then it was a field mod, maybe his ito broke and unravelled.

[Bruce Pennington]

I have seen quite a few, and several where the tsuka was just plain wood, covered tightly in leather.  The tsuba might be a civil one.

[Marcel]

In the meantime, I've bought it (I just need to pick it up), so I think it's legal to display it here.
After some searching online, I managed to find an exact copy. The tsuba and the marking on the tsuba are also the same.
I don't think this is a field modification.
Perhaps I bought a pig in a poke, in which case I'll just consider it a learning experience.

[Brian]

Again, this is nothing done officially. It was done by or for the owner at his own personal request. So no..it's not an official "variation" just something done as a personal request or choice.
To me, that pretty much puts it in the "field done" league. That tassel is also nothing that belongs on that sword, so added by the owner for some reason.
Sword is still real.

[Trenchnut]

From what I can make out it has a Type 3 kabuto-gane. Would you send us a close up of the handle Marcel?

Edited 3 hours ago by Trenchnut

[Marcel]

I'll post some good photos when I pick up the sword, probably tomorrow. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!