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 Wednesday at 07:04 PM 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. 

[Kiipu]

On 3/18/2026 at 11:56 AM, vajo said:

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

 

That is one of the tests for Japanese postwar reproductions.  The seller states in the advertisement that it is a replica.

Ww2 Kyu Gunto Authentication Help

[Scogg]

@Kiipu, are you saying that you think this parade sword / dress saber is a replica? I agree the one in your link is modern, but that’s a much more desirable and different type of kyu gunto. I’m not so sure about this one. 
 

I figure it’s advertised as a replica because this type of sword would otherwise be illegal to sell in Japan (where it is being sold from)

[Kiipu]

After the war, some Japanese veterans had wartime swords refitted with postwar made alloy blades.  So this might not be a real or replica situation.

[Kiipu]

A Gun advertisement from 2008 listing replica swords.

Gun Volume 47 No. 6 (May 2008). Page 193.

[Scogg]

I’m reluctant drawing any conclusion from the images and description provided when these swords can be so diverse. 

 

I thought the sword in question was a company grade army dress saber. Originally with untempered, dull, and nickel plated or chromed blade with an artificial hamon. Often threaded or peened to the handle.
 

These have been found with huge variety of blade styles, even foreign blades. They are often dull. They can be bought and sold for around $200 USD, unless they have unusual or interesting features. 

https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/13294-type-19-kyu-gunto-dress-swords-i-love-them/

Is there something I’m missing (other than the seller description) that suggests the blade is a zink or alloy replacement?
 
With respect,

-Sam 

 

 

Edited 20 hours ago by Scogg
Correction

[Conway S]

The pictures of the blade are not the best, but I don’t see anything in the listing that makes me think this is a reproduction. Just look at the wear on the wire and the grip. It does look like the brass on the handle was cleaned. The patina looks a little off.