"Bespoke" Type 19?

[Kaigunto230]

Has anyone seen a custom-fitted Nihonto mounted in Type 19 fittings? My buddy purchased this a while ago (for pretty darn cheap, so I think he's ambivalent on the answer to this thread). It's a wakizashi-length blade mounted onto what appears to be a Type 19 handle. When he was purchasing it, he snapped some photos and sent them my way; he's not a sword guy, so here's what I got. You can see the habaki is not fully fitting. And when I asked if there was wiggle around the handle or the fit into the scabbard, he agreed. I personally think it's some post-war put-together piece. Do you?

 

   And beyond that, have you seen use of family swords/Nihonto on Type 19 fittings before? I hadn't, but it's an interesting thought.

 

   I'd love your opinions on it. Like I said, he bought it for cheap enough that he wasn't being hosed, regardless, but I promised him I'd post here to see what the experts said. Thanks!

 

 

 

[Kaigunto230]

Some more photos:

 

 

 

[Bruce Pennington]

Michael,

In general, Type 19s with fighting blades did exist.  Dawson shows them in his book, and calls them Type 19 kyugunto.  I can't say whether we've seen any show up here at NMB.  I'd say it is plausible that his was legit, however your theory is just as possible.  Does the blade fit well in the saya?

[Conway S]

Hey Michael, 

 

Have you seen it in person or are you basing your opinion off the photos as well? The habaki is a style commonly found on these kyu gunto. The fittings look fine to me. Obviously, there are many factors that dictate how well a blade fits 100+ years later. If your friend bought it cheap, then he should be pleased with his purchase…. Although people have differing opinions on what constitutes “cheap." 

[Kaigunto230]

Thanks @Bruce Pennington and @Conway S. He paid $400, so for a Nihonto in not terrible finish with a visible hamon and some gunto fittings - we figured he couldn't do too badly. I haven't seen it in person, so I'm just basing the not-quite-fitting on his descriptions.

But interesting to hear it might not be a put-together piece. When it was for sale, I said that even for a put-together piece, getting a first Nihonto to study at that price point wouldn't be the worst, even if it is mumei. The nakago's an interesting shape, the hamon is lovely overall, and there's the possibility of some good historical wartime usage here.

[Scott JM]

From my experience,  this is not only probable, but likely.   From my collection of I think eight or so non-parade type 19 Kyu gunto, most have old blades and are all functional weapons.  Also most have silver mon.  I would also say that your friend did rather well and I hope he takes good care of what he has.

---Scott M.