Bruce Pennington

Good example Frank. To add to your point, the bohi is tapered whereas it should be rounded/squared for a Tokyo blade. you will also see that the dimples in the white diamonds of the handle are punched rather than formed.

While we wait, could you post a photo of the Seki stamp? Also, is there a date on the other side?

Their original design was to be secured to the wrist so that in combat the sword would not be lost if it fell from sweaty hands. By World War II, they were essentially just rank indications.

Other guys might have a different value range, but my earlier opinion is my best guess, $600-900. Showato with stains, missing fittings. Some one will want it, though.

That's a beauty, Mason! Good luck with the sale!

Excellent! Those are inspector stamps KO - Kokura Army Arsenal Supervisory Section HO - 1st Factory of Kokura Army Arsenal 3 - We don't have a known explanation for these. Usually 1, 2, or 3. Possibly a particular inspector or inspector section?

Agreed. Dawson says this model was for "Japanese patrolmen and sergeants and with the swords authorized for Japanese naval prison guards and shore patrol sailors.....authorized for enlisted men in the Manchukuo Imperial Army."

Field grade tassel, so Major and Colonels.

Ah, this one "廣" always gets me! Thanks Ray!

Hello P We like to have a real name to talk to. NMB rules, actually. But honestly, the photos don't reveal much. Looks Japanese, but that's about all that can be said. You might ask the buyer for better photos. I'm moving this topic over to the Nihonto forum, as this looks like a civil sword, which they will know more about.

Hi Ricky! Sam - @Scogg - can give you more details on yours. Here's a couple of good links for your info: Japanese sword care - Japaneseswordindex.com Type 95 Japanese NCO Swords - Ohmura Japanese Sword Cleaning Kits No need to take the handle off, as there will not be any signature there to see. I like to clean my gunto, when I first get them, with an oiled rag to remove dirt and grime. I lightly oil all the parts, including saya (scabbard) to prevent future rust.

Not mine, but a Showa stamped Kanenao, undated:

I don't think it's "Yasu" but can't find what it really is. Help, please? It's a gifu stamped, March 1945 in RS fittings

Very nice, upgraded kai! I like the rain pattern habaki.

I have 2 on file with katana mei like this: 1842 found on nipponto.com website 1846 from tsguiart.com site:

The fittings are from an NCO Type 95 and might sell around $150 separately. Overall, I’d guess $600-900.

I am no judge of old blades, so someone will have to help you out with this one. From the photos it looks like there are openings in the steel are those flaws? Or are they just dark marks?

I only have full photos of one 1937, and it has this same shape. Looks like the other '38s went to the rounded shape after this one.

They are big and heavy!

B25 - yes, it's a 1938, like Conway said.

Great, thanks! Is the blade signed and/or dated?

Edward, You can read up on these on Ohmura's site: NCO Gunto 1935 - Ohmura Care and cleaning: Japanese Sword Care - Japaneseswordindex.com You can decode the stamps here: Type 95 Inspection Marks - Ohmura @Scogg

Boy, that sellers description threw me way off. I thought this was a Masayuki blade, but it's not. It is Katsumasa. I've edited my post above. The mei: Noshu Seki ju Kojima Katsumasa saku 濃州関 住小島勝正作

Great sword, Steve, is this yours or are you shopping? I see you've been doing your homework! Ha! You get an "A-", though. The stamp is "Logo of the Yasugi (Yasuki) Steel Co., headquartered in Yasugi City, Shimane prefecture. (Slough, pg 98)". I have Kanemichi, Katsumasa, and Masafusa so far, with the logo.

Marcin, Some helpful reading: and