Info Favorites Register Log in
myArmoury.com Discussion Forums

Forum index Memberlist Usergroups Spotlight Topics Search
Forum Index > Historical Arms Talk > Shin Gunto question Reply to topic
This is a standard topic  
Author Message
Paul Ho





Joined: 24 Nov 2012

Posts: 1

PostPosted: Sat 24 Nov, 2012 8:55 pm    Post subject: Shin Gunto question         Reply with quote

Hi everyone, I am new to the forum and am attempting to find out information related to a Japanese Officer's sword captured by my grandfather from a Japanese officer in combat in 1945 on Mindanao Island in the Philippines. The sword does not seem to be different from other Shin Gunto I have seen except for the fact that it has no release button near the guard and has two white buttons located at the top of the leather covered wooden scabbard. The blade is perfect and is extremely sharp. There was no tassel attached to the handle when my grandfather gave this sword to me in the 1980s.

I would like to know three things if anyone can help me.

*What are the buttons on the scabbard made of? They are white square buttons. Possibly Ivory? What significance do they have material wise? If any?

*Why is there no release button or lever near the handle as I have seen with other similar swords?

*Any opinions on the possible rank of the officer who carried this? A Captain?

Sorry for the glare in the pictures. I took them on the fly and didn't get a chance to view for quality and do not have the sword on hand right now.

Thanks for any help you can give! I appreciate any clues regarding this family mystery.



 Attachment: 183.73 KB
shin gunto white scabbard buttons.jpg
Pictures of sword

 Attachment: 173.17 KB
shin gunto white scabbard button-handle guard.jpg


 Attachment: 150.03 KB
shin gunto handle.jpg


 Attachment: 144.32 KB
scabbard end.jpg


 Attachment: 135.45 KB
shin gunto blade - scabbard.jpg


 Attachment: 105.24 KB
shin gunto blade.jpg

View user's profile Send private message
Christopher Treichel




Location: Metro D.C.
Joined: 14 Jan 2010

Posts: 268

PostPosted: Sun 25 Nov, 2012 7:31 am    Post subject:         Reply with quote

The absense of the release button is not unusual especially since in this case you have one with a leather covered field scabbard. The fittings on the leather cover are probably bone replacements made in the field. Usually they are brass snap buttons. As there is no portepee present there is no way to tell the person's rank.
View user's profile Send private message


Display posts from previous:   
Forum Index > Historical Arms Talk > Shin Gunto question
Page 1 of 1 Reply to topic
All times are GMT - 8 Hours

View previous topic :: View next topic
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You can download files in this forum






All contents © Copyright 2003-2024 myArmoury.com — All rights reserved
Discussion forums powered by phpBB © The phpBB Group
Switch to the Basic Low-bandwidth Version of the forum