Japanese WWII Type 95 NCO Shin Gunto with Matching Scabbard
Imperial Japanese Army Type 95 Shin Gunto for non-commissioned officers, produced by the Nagoya Arsenal.
This sword has a cast aluminium tsuka (hilt) with a 9mm thick ornate brass tsuba (guard) with pebble finish. The fuchi is copper and the sword is secured in the scabbard by a top latch, all of which identifies it as being a third pattern sword dating between 1938 and mid 1941. After mid-1941, the tsuba and fuchi were made of unadorned iron and the latch mechanism for securing the sword in the scabbard had been moved to the side of the tsuka.
The copper fuchi bears a Seki sword maker's stamp, Nagoya Arsenal inspection stamp and a Kokura Arsenal identification stamp. The Kokura Arsenal did not produce any Type 95 Shin Gunto but over-saw the production of these swords by the Tokyo First and Nagoya arsenals so its identification stamp is sometimes found on Type 95 swords.
The 67 cm (not including the habaki) machine made blade is in excellent, near mint condition. The serial number and a Nagoya Arsenal stamp are clearly marked above the bohi (fuller). The blade has been armoury sharpened. These pre/early war production Type 95 Shin Gunto were carried by career soldiers, not conscripts and were considered by many as a primary weapon. The blade retains its fighting edge.
The cast aluminium tsuka (hilt) retains very little of its original paint, testifying to its use and service. The tsuka is firm on the tang. The scabbard latch is in good condition and works well.
The steel scabbard is in excellent condition, free from dents and with only minor pitting and rust that appears to be inactive. The serial number on the throat of the scabbard matches that of the blade. The scabbard ring has been removed, as was often the case. Many Japanese NCO preferred to wear their sword thrust through a sash or belt - in the manner of samurai katana and so removed the scabbard ring.
Japanese WWII swords are amongst the most copied/faked of all swords and prospective buyers should beware.
This is a great and guaranteed genuine Japanese NCO's Type 95 sword that was carried by a career soldier.
