Shin Gunto Identification

[Rsmith]

Hello, I just received 3 swords and I was wondering if I could get some help with identifications and pricing? Any help at all is appreciated.

[John C]

1 hour ago, Rsmith said:

identifications

Rieker:

Sorry to say both are reproductions. The tells are 1) the numbered habaki - the Japanese didn't do that; 2) the western Damascus style steel - not usually a Japanese technique; 3) the sharp ending to the bohi (groove) stopping in the wrong place; 4) the hamon appears to be acid etched or ground on. Price on each would be 50-100 dollars to someone into cosplay or a wall display.

Regards,

John C.

[Bruce Pennington]

Agreed.  Chinese made.  This particular maker seems to always put serial numbers on the habaki (brass collar), which like John said is just one of the several things they get wrong about Japanese swords.  Now, if they are just making a sword for China, the fine.  But this maker often houses the blades in imitation WWII Japanese fittings.  Yours is civilian fittings, so you could feel Ok keeping as such.

[Rsmith]

9 hours ago, John C said:

Rieker:

Sorry to say both are reproductions. The tells are 1) the numbered habaki - the Japanese didn't do that; 2) the western Damascus style steel - not usually a Japanese technique; 3) the sharp ending to the bohi (groove) stopping in the wrong place; 4) the hamon appears to be acid etched or ground on. Price on each would be 50-100 dollars to someone into cosplay or a wall display.

Regards,

John C.

What about the “sword” in the 3rd image? It’s 2 swords that sheath into each other. No serial number to be found anywhere on the pair.

[Geraint]

Dear Rieker.

 

The same answer applies I'm afraid.  Not Japanese and not old.

 

Hope this doesn't put you off altogether and that you are not into them for too much.  Have a look at the dealer section toward the bottom of the menu and check out some of the swords there.

 

All the best.

Edited May 10 by Geraint

[Brian]

There are no genuine Japanese swords ever, where "2 go into one" like that. It's a fantasy construction method. I think it may have been used on old Chinese swords, but these are definitely fantasy pieces.