Authentic WWII IJN Gunto, Koto, Signed 肥前國住忠吉作 ("Tadayoshi") ¥15,000,000 smith!

[Swords]

Hello I wanted to see what others opinions for this sword and is it made by the smith as indicated 

 

 

[ROKUJURO]

Famous name, no papers, IAITO TSUBA - what do you think?

[Dereks]

2 minutes ago, ROKUJURO said:

Famous name, no papers, IAITO TSUBA - what do you think?

 

I’m not sure thinking is part of his process.

 

 

 

 

[Swords]

I didn’t know there was a sarcasm under Topic 

[nulldevice]

6 minutes ago, Swords said:

I didn’t know there was a sarcasm under Topic 

I’d suggest doing a little bit of digging on your own and asking yourself whether you think it’s legitimate or not and post your reasoning here before asking for other’s input. 
 

Hizento are among some of the most documented works out there and finding comparable examples is easily done. 

[Rawa]

Collecting is not an addiction. It’s a hobby 

[Swords]

I did do some research I trying to figure out if it’s a gimie

[Rawa]

22 minutes ago, Swords said:

I did do some research I trying to figure out if it’s a gimie

It dsn’t matter how much money you have. Or how big Your hunger for blades is. Please consider narrowing down to particular era.

If You buying becouse You are looking for „Your blade” maybe You should to order brand new one.

Edited November 16, 2025 by Rawa

[nulldevice]

8 minutes ago, Swords said:

I did do some research I trying to figure out if it’s a gimie

What's your conclusion and why? 

[Swords]

I did a search and found other swords by this smith it’s hard to compare signatures though I see similarities but have a hard time with the mei 

[Swords]

Dose anyone know if this signature is a gimei

Im having a hard time reading the Mei 

[Swords]

Brian would have said because it’s a big name and no paperwork it’s probably a gimie

 

[John C]

1 hour ago, Swords said:

Dose anyone know if this signature is a gimei

Steve:

As a general rule, always assume gimei if not papered. But also, with a big name in particular, if papers raise the value substantially why didn't the previous owners get it papered? Or, did they try and it didn't pass? Without a thorough kantei of the blade itself, it's just guesswork. And just my personal thing, I get suspicious quickly of flowery descriptions. He's trying to sell the sword a little too hard. 

John C.

p.s. From marketing 101 - people like to buy; they don't like to be sold.

[David Flynn]

Here's another give away.  Tadayoshi swords are signed Tachi Mei (except Waks).

[Nobody]

2 hours ago, David Flynn said:

Here's another give away.  Tadayoshi swords are signed Tachi Mei (except Waks).

 

The blade is a wakizashi.

Anyway, it is still a give away.

 

[Scogg]

@Swords

 

Relocating this and your other post to the auction and online sales section because the Auction and Online Sales section is for:

 

“For the Discussion of eBay and other Online Sale and Auction Items or Sellers.”

[Swords]

6 hours ago, David Flynn said:

Tadayoshi swords are signed Tachi Mei (except Waks).

Flynn Can you elaborate on this statement 

[charlesf]

Steven,

             Tachi-mei is a sword where the signature faces away from the body when the sword is worn with cutting edge down.

              Katana-mei is when the signature faces out with cutting edge worn up.

 

charles.

[Shugyosha]

Hi Steven, 

I’m going to take the plunge if no one else will: the mei is as described in the description, but it’s done very badly. I wouldn’t be spending serious money on this sword as it has no papers to back up the big name signature and, even without hitting the books, I doubt it’s the real deal. 
 

For swords with big names, NBTHK papers are the gold standard. That’s it, all you need to know. 

[Shugyosha]

Steven,

If that’s you with the confused face emoji, go ahead and spend your money. I know you’re confused, but please read a round a bit. 

[Swords]

Good info Charlesf I did not know that 

 

I agree with everyone not having papers with a big name is almost certain to be fake 

 

No that wasn’t me who added the confused face 

[Bruce Pennington]

1 hour ago, Shugyosha said:

That’s it, all you need to know. 

Hi John!  Missed you buddy!  Sorry, I've just had a big dose of vodka and pineapple juice!  Regardless, your perspective is overdue on the Laugh O' the Day thread.

[Rawa]

Is this offer still with boston’s account?

[Rhizosphere]

I bought this sword at a reduced price with a free tassle included. I currently have a post about it. I am sure it is gimei. But i was looking for an heirloom ww2 sword and this fit the bill. I had convo with the seller about it. He explained thats how it was sold to him. But it wasnt confirmed.  The sword and mountings are very nice. Tsuna may predate the sword but is fitted perfectly. Beautifully presenting hada and hamon with streaks of nie and noi. Seems to be a true Hizen sword. It is a shame someome marked it as they did. Even if it was Mumei. I feel the price was right for the history and craftmenship it held. But the steel in signature has oxidization that matches the tang

 So it seems very old. The blade also has polishers grooves as well as a small crease on the spine as well as the defensive area of the base of the cutting edge.

[Rhizosphere]

[Rhizosphere]

Seems to be gold foil inlay that partially fell out

[Rhizosphere]

On 11/15/2025 at 7:09 PM, Swords said:

Dose anyone know if this signature is a gimei

Im having a hard time reading the Mei 

It is gimie. I bought it. It still is a nice sword for the price including the mounts. Especially when people are selling non traditional guntos for the same price.

[Swords]

you’re buying the sword not the gimie

you’re right its the history and craftsmanship for a good price that matters 

 

 

[ROKUJURO]

Steven,

it is GI MEI - false MEI. Should not be too difficult.

GI MIE would mean "wrong noodles".

[Swords]

I’m dyslexic