Conway

If the pawn shop was only asking $1,000 each and they won’t split them up, you would definitely recoup your money on the second sword or make a profit if you wanted to sell it.

Personally I don’t believe the second sword looks like a Takayama-to. Their distinctive kissaki is quite beefy. Here is a comparison photo that @Bruce Pennington once posted: Here’s more good info on Tenshozan and anti-rust steel: http://ohmura-study.net/731.html And some threads that may help you understand the fittings on the second sword:

Michael, It’s signed Tenshozan Tanrenjo saku and dated a lucky day in February 1942. Lots of information on this forge in Mal Cox’s naval sword articles in the download section.

The second one from the top was on another Formosa colonial officials sword if I recall correctly. I found it on Live Auctioneers.

I agree with Ray. Those are just sub-assembly numbers. I don’t see anything from the pictures provided that would tie this to Korean use or production.

Roger, One thing you should check on is whether a Seki-stamped blade can be imported to Japan. They seem to still occupy a legal gray area. If it can’t be imported it might be destroyed before it even gets to a potential family member. The Japanese embassy folks might be under the impression you are trying to return an actual antique sword.

The stamp looks like 越 which could be pronounced “koshi.” I might be very off with pronunciation since I have no formal training in spoken Japanese

Sam, I don’t think the green marking partially obscured by the seppa would be a duplicate maker or inspection stamp. I think it could be a sub-assembly number as I have seen these on guards before in the form of Arabic numerals and katakana.

Tobi, Don Schlickman in the US makes reproduction parts for Type 95s. I don’t know if he could mail to NZ, but might be worth contacting him. https://www.nambuworld.com/donspartslist.htm

The black steel tsuba appear in numerous serial ranges. It’s a misconception that these tsuba are later production than the brass ones. Also when swords were refurbished during the war, parts including the tsuba were replaced.

But why post it in the fake thread? It’s not fake… just repainted.

Does it have two mekugi ana?

Alex, This is a Takayama-to made by Miwa Mitsugu Ujinaga. See the attached with examples of this particular mei:

I understand the PSA about fake swords, but this seller makes it clear in the description this is not an authentic sword. Top Grade 98 Officer's Saber Japanese Gunto Clay Tempered Folded Steel Sword Fittings: Brass,itMaterial: Damuscus folded 1095 steel + clay tempered Craft: Fully hand folded and forged by 15 times(32768 layers),clay tempered,traditional quench treatment,and hand-polishing,etc. Overall Length:103cm / 40.6 inches Nagasa Length:72cm / 28.3 inches Handle Length:26cm / 10.2 inches Width: 1.26''/3.2cm Thickness: 0.28''/0.7cm Bo-hi: No blood groove Fittings: Brass,it won't fade Hardness(HRC): 60 Saya: Iron saya+Brown Real Leather Rayskin: Real shark rayskin Notice: 1-A free&random sword bag comes with the sword 2-The display stand is NOT included 3-Due to All of our products are full handmade,So the specification varies a little from sword to sword. The 1095 steel reference alone should tell someone this is a modern item…. Plus you can buy more than one at a time. Check out this link. All of this seller’s swords are junk meant to deceive. Although shipping from California, if you click on the seller’s details, it says they are located in China... WWII Japanese Samurai Sword SHIN GUNTO TYPE 98 World War 2 KATANA WW2

There’s a thread here for Mon identification help.

These gray area swords are tricky and personally I would avoid them entirely if you are looking for a genuine WW2 Japanese sword. If you want an “occupation made” or “island sword” for your collection, then go ahead and roll the dice.

To Stegel’s point about the swapped tsuba, here is another example, but the seppa are correct for the the pattern 3: https://whartonmilitaria.co.uk/details.php?section=edgeweapons&item=EW0048

Here’s the cross reference to this sword when it was discussed a few months ago. See bottom of page 17:

Hi Cole, I wouldn’t worry about fidgeting with the scabbard any more. John’s suggestion above is safer than risking damage to the wood liner. If you want a true opinion on your sword you should try to connect with an expert in your area or attend one of the Japanese sword shows in the US (Vegas, Orlando, Chicago, SF), where you can have it assessed in-person.

Yes, the Type 95 you posted is fake.

Looks completely genuine to me….aside from scabbard looking repainted.

It’s a cool piece. I really enjoy seeing these oddities with the reduced scale fittings. Thanks for the additional pictures.

Well then go with 3800. 8800 would be too high for a scabbard without the drag.

Looks 100% authentic to me too. The scabbard is correct for the copper model. It would be uncommon to find a matching scabbard on these early swords.

The prices online are pretty crazy to see. Definitely see more Type 95s online than I do in-person at local shows nowadays. They bring a premium when “known” sellers are listing them too. I still think back to when I passed on a mint aluminum Seki Nagoya in the 201,000-range at the Show of Shows a few years ago. The seller wouldn’t come down from $1,100. A few months later someone bought it from IMA for $1,800. I guess it shows continued interest in the hobby if prices are going up….