Auction House Misrepresents Type 95 Shin Gunto.

[IanS]

Hi Salt Flat, only too happy to oblige.

The Bo-hi or fuller(groove in blade) has a squarer section and different length compared to a genuine type 95. Probably cut by a grinding wheel, see the end of the fuller in the photo of the serial number.
The tsuka(hilt) looks to have induced wear(rubbed down to look worn) or is just extremely badly cast and without a trace of paint.
There is no habaki(wedge that holds sword tight in scabbard).
There is no inspection stamp after the serial number. The serial number is the wrong font and in the wrong location, it should be between the fuller and the back edge of the blade.
The tsuba(hand guard) is badly cast
If it was genuine, and the serial number was correct, it would have been made at the Nagoya Arsenal early in the war. The serial numbers applied by the Nagoya Arsenal appear upside down when viewed with the sword edge down. They are the only arsenal to do this. I am told that the sarute(loop at end of hilt) is too long and the hanger on the scabbard is too far down.

The sword has no value to a collector, perhaps scrap metal. I have now learnt two new indicators of a fake sword, they are the last two on the list. This sword is a disgrace and would put any buyer on guard even if they were not experienced collectors. They are getting harder to spot and I'm no expert.

Best wishes,
Ian

PS I've written again to the auction house, telling them that I'm shocked to see they sold this sword as Japanese after I told them it was Chinese. What's the betting they won't reply.