Gunto - is it authentic?

[dkjw]

Is this an authentic gunto?

[Ganko]

Looks like a Chinese knock-off to me.

[Bruce Pennington]

I agree, I don't think it was Japanese made.

[John C]

2 hours ago, Bruce Pennington said:

I don't think it was Japanese made.

Bruce:

Is that an anchor stamp?

John C.

[Scogg]

@dkjw Hi Josh, welcome to the forum,

 

I am inclined to agree with the above. It looks like a reproduction or fake to me. 
 

For the time being, I’m going to relocate this discussion to the “military swords of Japan” section. At least while we talk about the possibility of a stamp. I don’t think that’s an anchor stamp, but it’s very hard to see with the photo and would be in an unusual location. 
 

We can move it to the fake Japanese swords section later if we decide. 
Best of luck,

-Sam 

Edited May 27 by Scogg
Now moved to the Fake Japanese Sword section

[dkjw]

Thanks for all the comments. It doesn't have any stamps so I am going to agree with the comments.

[Bruce Pennington]

I could see why you thought it might be a stamp, John.  Guess Josh settled that one, though, with it in hand.

 

Josh,

If you haven't seen Ohmura's site, it's worth going through.  Full of fabulous photos of all the WWII versions of swords.  After reading his pages, you'll have a better idea of how legit gunto look and can avoid the fakes.

 

Military Swords of Japan - Ohmura