Is this really replica? Kyu gunto

[Rawa]

https://ebay.us/m/IM7lJL
Crest, tassel and described as replica.

[Bruce Pennington]

I don't study these specifically, but seems legit to me.  I thought, at first, the backstrap should have dimples, but Plimpton shows examples with a smooth surface like this.

[Scogg]

The Kyu Gunto is not a replica, IMO.

If the description describes a replica, then they may be talking about that sword keychain. 

Maybe a scam? Makes you think its a kyu gunto, but really it's for the keychain?

Alternatively; I have seen some people on Facebook Marketplace list genuine swords as "replicas" or "props" to bypass facebooks weapons-selling-ban algorithm. 

[Conway S]

The sword listed is in Japan. The term “replica” is used to satisfy their laws. Oftentimes, even these dress blades have been cut by authorities. 

[vajo]

I think it is really a replica. The blade looks like a zinc alloy blade and the fittings are very low quality.

 

Edited 6 hours ago by vajo

[Scogg]

These Kyu Gunto dress swords are relatively inexpensive and fairly common, which is why they are rarely faked. The few replicas I’ve personally encountered have been very obvious; typically much more poorly made than this example.
 

They were generally unsharpened and often feature an etched hamon. Of the couple dozen I’ve handled, the quality has varied quite a bit, with some clearly better made than others.
 

My understanding is that these were produced by a wide range of workshops, which explains the significant variation in both design and overall quality.

@lonely panet would be the guy I would ask for confirmation, if he's willing to offer his input.

-Sam

[Tensho]

Looks perfectly fine. I don't see anyone putting a kamon on a fake one. The fake ones are pretty obvious looking. 

 

These come in all forms of quality, and even very crude ones.