I have the opportunity to buy a WW2 Japanese sword but know nothing about these things. I have a number of pics available. Would someone be willing to resize and post them for me for comment? Thanks much. - Rich

You can send them to me if you want. Use
jtwallace@sbcglobal.net

Here is the first of 6 photos

Number 2

Number 3

Number 4

Number 5

And, finally, number 6.

By chance did you find this in China?

Jim

No. A guy answered my local want ad for WWII items. He said he got it from his grandfather who served in the pacific. Is the sword a cheap Chinese repro?

I don not know Japanese swords, these guys do. I only ask because there are a lot of these coming out of China. Yours sounds legit, but let these guys take a look.

Jim

Rich,

The pictures are really poor but I would be cautious about this sword. There are several red flags for me from what I can see. First, the scabbard has two rings and bands. That is possible but usually denotes a Navy sword (sometimes an early Army) but the bands appear to be Army. I can't tell what it is supposed to be from the pictures. Second, The sword guard does not seem to fit and is loose. Third, the hilt is very odd. It appears oversized and the wrap is strange as well. I can't tell what the material is and it is folded in a strange manner from what I can see.

Anyway, be careful. I hope this helps.

George

Ok. Thanks for all your help. I've asked for better pics and will keep you posted.

The first pattern shin gunto mounting had a removable second suspension. All of t he parts appear to be period. I agree that the handle wrap is unusual. There is a possibility that it was either special order or redone after the original wrapping failed. The style of wrapping is one found at times on older Japanese swords in true samurai mounts. There are over 100 different patterns for wrapping a Japanese sword handle. I find this to be consistant with one of them. I believe better photos should alleviate any concerns.
Bob

As Klaushund says, it is entirely possible that it is good. It is just not possible to tell from these photographs. It always worries me when I get out of focus pictures.