Fake Type 95 Nco Swords

[Scogg]

Here is a tricky one spotted on Facebook. The serial number is the biggest tell, although other details are pretty well done. 
 

It’s trying to be a pattern1 copper handle, but it does not stand up to scrutiny.
 

Mekugi is wrong for pattern1, but I didn’t highlight that because sometimes you see that on repaired swords. 
-Sam

 

 

 

 

 

[Bruce Pennington]

They are improving on the Kokura and Suya stamps!  They still can't get the small, center, Tokyo 1st stamp, though.

Yeah, that serial number is bad.  No Type 95s have a zero at the beginning of the number.  

 

Another tell is the dimpling in the diamonds of the tsuka.  They are raised properly, but blurred.  So far, they have a hard time making clear, crisp dimples.

[vajo]

I recently held one of these. They're much lighter than a real one. Everything seems a bit smaller. The habaki weighs less than half as much. The tuska feels far too small in the hand. The sword feels tinny. The seppa are complete rubbish and don't fit at all. They're purely decorative.

 

The screw and the screw head is very weak.

Edited November 11, 2025 by vajo

[Scogg]

6 hours ago, vajo said:

I recently held one of these. They're much lighter than a real one. Everything seems a bit smaller. The habaki weighs less than half as much. The tuska feels far too small in the hand. The sword feels tinny. The seppa are complete rubbish and don't fit at all. They're purely decorative.

 

The screw and the screw head is very weak.

Those are great observations Chris, thank you.

My focus has been cataloging the real ones, but I have also been putting together a "fake serial number list" with notes and features. Details like you describe are great things to include. 

All the best,
-Sam

[vajo]

@Scogg Sam i made some pictures. 

 

This sword has been looking very good. But fake. This is one of those swords when you have it in hand you notice instead that it is fake. It feels wrong in hand.

I think i shown it hear some time ago. It was good for learning holding in hands. I was sending the pictures Bruce i think.

 

Notice the broken screw head because the material is very weak and thin.

 

Look at the seppa and the habaki. Same weak sheet metal.

 

Last part the fake stamps. The look sharp and not blury but fake. 

 

 

Edited November 11, 2025 by vajo

[vajo]

Sad that i didn't weight the sword for record. A genuine Typ95 feels massive in hand. It feels like a real weapon. This feels more like vegan meat or a non alcoholic beer. 

[Scogg]

@vajo I recognize that as one of those notorious Iijima stamped fakes. I have very many listed just like it in the 30k and 50k range. They do look pretty good, but the bohi is often the big fake identifier for these. The stamps too, like you note. Do you recall if the samegawa dimpling was indented or raised?

 

I have never handled one myself, so it's very interesting to hear your description, and good to know that they at least feel wrong. 

Sometimes I wonder if they are intentionally aged replica's. Something like, but not necessarily identical, to one of these:
https://www.kultofathena.com/product/Japanese-nco-shin-gunto-sword/?attribute_pa_item-grade=standard-grade

Thanks for the photos! I've got this one logged now 
-Sam

Edited November 11, 2025 by Scogg
Grammar/word order

[vajo]

@Scogg yes the nanako of the same is vice versa.

[John C]

Yet another fake being sold as real. 800 USD. 9 people are watching this!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/157480984955?

 

John C.

[John C]

From the same factory I posted above. This auction is straight from China 159 bucks.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/305278626077?

 

John C.

[John C]

Another repro from Longquan China. In this case, they used multiple versions of fake numbers and writing. 154 dollars.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/267486630604?

 

John C.

[John C]

Another fake being sold as legit for 1300. Note the fake marks are similar to the one posted above on Nov 21st.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/157427026200?

 

John C.

Edited November 28, 2025 by John C
added content

[John C]

A slightly different fake with brass handle. 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/135562460129?

 

John C.

[Marcin]

On 11/7/2025 at 4:24 PM, Scogg said:

Here is a tricky one spotted on Facebook. The serial number is the biggest tell, although other details are pretty well done. 
 

It’s trying to be a pattern1 copper handle, but it does not stand up to scrutiny.
 

Mekugi is wrong for pattern1, but I didn’t highlight that because sometimes you see that on repaired swords. 
-Sam

 

 

 

 

 

Have you ever got serial number starting with 0??

[Scogg]

2 minutes ago, Rawa said:

Have you ever got serial number starting with 0??

No. I have never seen a genuine Type 95 with a serial number that starts with zero.

I do have many fake examples cataloged that start with a zero.

The example in the photos below are an example of a well-done FAKE. This exact example has appeared on facebook 4 times now, from the same individual, over the last 6 weeks. Varying commenters falsely proclaim that it's legit.

Unfortunately it's not real.
-Sam

[Bruce Pennington]

You will sometimes see a number with an added zero on Type 32 saya drags after they have been back to the factory for a refurbish/repair, but never on a Type 95.

[Bruce Pennington]

One of the better replicas, Polish?, posted on this Gunboards thread.  Attempting to be a Gifu stamped Nagoya blade.  Unusual to see one in the 70000 20000 (read that number wrong, originally) number range.  These are usually seen in 30000-50000.

 

[Bruce Pennington]

Linking Rob's post here:

 

 

[Marcin]

Dunno If we had this example.

No. 72212 adv. as matching numbers and original.

https://ebay.us/m/S5QgZ7

[John C]

Being sold straight from China for 150 dollars. Must be fairly cheap to produce of they can make a profit at 150 dollars. Wonder how many scammers order it for resale.

 

John C.

[Marcin]

At „Exceptional Antiques, Fine Art and Designz” :D

@Scogg, @Bruce Pennington we are getting really good fakes recently. Many frogs to swallow.

 

Description

Japanese WWII Military Sword, Type 95 Shin-Gunto, which was commonly carried by army officers during World War II. With number on blade, 31205 and Arsenal Stamps. 

 

Dimensions: Blade measures 26.5 inches L, in sheath (also numbered 31205) total length 38 inches.

Edited June 6 by Marcin

[Bruce Pennington]

Yes, this one carries all the red flags - bad stamps, no dimples in diamonds, bad bohi, brass tsuka, wrong barrel screw ....

[robinalexander]

This one of two fakes going to auction today in OZ at Lloyds Auctions Historic Arms and Militaria.... as usual I advised the auction house who advised me " Everything we have on this end suggests that the information available on these listings is accurate, and the vendor is well-reputed" ...

 

Their specialist asked me for reasons as to why I believed it was fake...I listed them...provided a link to NMB to an identical fake and invited them to post on NMB for comment.  Well that was 14 days ago, nothing else heard and now the price is up to $910 AUD and rising faster than inflation.  I don't know why I bother.

 

DESCRIPTION .....

• Japanese KATANA SWORD WITH BRASS-WRAPPED HANDLE AND SCABBARD
•  
• Item Size: Height: 96cm, Width: 8cm, Depth: 2cm, Weight: 1Kg
•  
• Authentic Japanese Katana Featuring A Gently Curved Steel Blade With Visible Patina, Brass-Wrapped Tsuka (Handle) With Traditional Cross-Hatch Binding, Ornate Tsuba (Hand Guard) With Relief Detailing, And Matching Lacquered Wooden Scabbard. Blade Displays Characteristic Japanese Forging Marks And Tempering Lines. Tsuba Bears Impressed Japanese Characters And Imperial Mon (Family Crest). Scabbard Features Decorative Lacquer Work With Geometric Patterns And Brass Fittings. Includes Period-Appropri
•  
• Condition: Fair - Refer To Images

 

I am glad that Lloyds Auctions provide a the following 'rider' ....

 

LLOYDS VERIFIED

We take immense pride in offering you this genuine item, which exemplifies exceptional quality. It is important to note that while this is an authentic product, in rare cases provenance may be unknown or aftermarket items may have been added to enhance its overall appeal and uniqueness. We value transparency and strive to provide you with accurate information, ensuring that you are fully informed about the product you are considering. Rest assured, our commitment to offering genuine products remains unwavering, and we are dedicated to your utmost satisfaction with your purchase. 

[robinalexander]

Picture belongs to above post ...

[John C]

29 minutes ago, robinalexander said:

We take immense pride in offering you this genuine item,

Well. I guess as soon as the buyer posts it here, he can remind the auction house of it's claims and get a refund.

 

John C.

[robinalexander]

Yep yr correct John... the danger is that the buyer wont realise straight away or maybe at anytime in the future that they have paid a lot for nothing.

 

This is not the only fake at that particular auction and I have pointed that out too.  Dare I say it, but I actually like this auction house....however I really wonder where they get their 'experts'

 

Rob

[robinalexander]

Sold for $1149.60 AUD ($806 US)

 

I remember when you could buy a real one for that 

[Marcin]

11 hours ago, robinalexander said:

Sold for $1149.60 AUD ($806 US)

 

I remember when you could buy a real one for that 

Gold is sky high 

[A Dunne]

On 6/6/2026 at 2:18 PM, Marcin said:

At „Exceptional Antiques, Fine Art and Designz” :D

@Scogg, @Bruce Pennington we are getting really good fakes recently. Many frogs to swallow.

 

Description

Japanese WWII Military Sword, Type 95 Shin-Gunto, which was commonly carried by army officers during World War II. With number on blade, 31205 and Arsenal Stamps. 

 

Dimensions: Blade measures 26.5 inches L, in sheath (also numbered 31205) total length 38 inches.

I just came on here to post this sword, kind of disappointed I didn't find it first, although the write-up is different.

 

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/233924001_japanese-wwii-military-sword-type-95-shin-gunto-montreal-quebec

 

 

[The Blacksmith]

Well to be honest Adrian, I think it is a fake. There are a couple of things that just don't seem right about it, and it is not one that I would want, unless it was bought as a copy. The seeming flaws with it you will find in this thread, but the kissaki and the en of the hi are the obvious ones to start with. The new paint job on the scabbard, and the new sword knot do not help it either. For my money, I'd be pleased you missed this one.

I'll be very interested to hear what other, far more knowledgable folks here think.