Type 95 Gunto Worksheet

[Bruce Pennington]

Anyone look at current asking prices for Type 95s?  Just scanned ebay and they are going through the roof!  $1,200 is the low end with several above $1,500 up to $2,200 USD!!!!  Sure, that is asking price and the actual sale may go lower, but my point is the asking prices are way up.

[Scogg]

6 minutes ago, Bruce Pennington said:

Anyone look at current asking prices for Type 95s? 

It's wild isn't it? Glad I got mine when I did... It seems I just barely beat the price hike. 

For the last year or so, i've noticed that they've been commanding ~$1000 bottom dollar. Good ones seem to be listed for $2000, pretty regularly.

Just a few years ago, you could find them for $500-$750, and that now seems impossible. 

[Rawa]

If there won't be any availabe we should start collecting those? 

[jeep44]

10 hours ago, Bruce Pennington said:

Anyone look at current asking prices for Type 95s?  Just scanned ebay and they are going through the roof!  $1,200 is the low end with several above $1,500 up to $2,200 USD!!!!  Sure, that is asking price and the actual sale may go lower, but my point is the asking prices are way up.

When I started buying swords, maybe 20 years ago, no one but a few collectors around here wanted them. I usually paid around $200 for one, and I had guys literally beg me to buy their sword at that price-and these were nice matched swords with nice blades-sometimes almost mint paint. The very late "pineapple" NCO swords went for less-there were no really good reference books around then. A few years ago, I paid $3000 for a copper handled NCO, which was the most I ever paid for any sword up to then. Now it seems like a bargain.

[Ian B3HR2UH]

Back in the 1970's when I was buying swords off returned soldiers I saw about four of these in one night . I had no interest in them and made no offers . I guess I could have purchased half of them for twenty dollars each . I feel pretty foolish in hindsight .

[Conway S]

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…. 

[Bruce Pennington]

Cross-referencing this discussion here:

 

[Bruce Pennington]

This one started as a Type 95 discussion, but has grown to cover all black-painted gunto

 

 

 

[Scogg]

Thank you for pinning this thread, Bruce. I'm looking forward to building a consolidated Type 95 topic here on the board. I somehow overlooked cataloging all those black saya Type 95s, so that was a fun project this morning.
 

To anyone interested in contributing to the Type 95 Shin-Gunto cataloging project; or if you have questions about a Type 95 in your collection or one currently for sale; please feel free to post here.
 

For the most accurate information for cataloging, I’d appreciate clear photos of the following:

- The stamps on the fuchi.

- The serial number on both the blade and the saya (scabbard).

- Both sides of the tsuka (handle).

- A full-length photo of the sword and saya.
- Any notable or unusual features. 
 

Thank you!

-Sam
 

[Bruce Pennington]

Sam,

Don't know how closely you watch ebay, so you might already have this:

Tokyo 109267; steel tsuba; officer tassel

 

Ebay page

 

Also, Iijima/Tokyo 159516, matching: ebay page

 

Also, Suya/Toky 153712, matching - Unique fabric ito over original handle!  Looks old/legit: ebay page

[Scogg]

Thank you Bruce. I check eBay a couple times a week, but some always slip through the cracks. 

Those are good ones. The fabric handle one has been floating around the auction sites for over a year now. 

Interestingly, there's a very close serial number 109278 with Tokyo blade, that has a plastic or bakelite handle reminiscent of the late-war wood handle Pattern 5's. I have that one recorded as an anomalous outlier. 
All the best,
-Sam

Weird plastic handle version, second from the top, below:

[Bruce Pennington]

Ichi/Kokura 107555 - ebay page

 

Gifu/Kokura 78883 - ebay page

 

Seki Shoten/Kokura 104769 - ebay page

[Rawa]

23 hours ago, Scogg said:

Thank you Bruce. I check eBay a couple times a week, but some always slip through the cracks. 

Those are good ones. The fabric handle one has been floating around the auction sites for over a year now. 

Interestingly, there's a very close serial number 109278 with Tokyo blade, that has a plastic or bakelite handle reminiscent of the late-war wood handle Pattern 5's. I have that one recorded as an anomalous outlier. 
All the best,
-Sam

Weird plastic handle version, second from the top, below:

I would like to add 2 more NCO typology as this thread is becoming leading one. I know that first is covered by another but description give more value.

[Scogg]

You get a few different interpretations of the Type 95 patterns, but all generally agree with the basic order. I am working on putting together a photo guide that includes some of the less common transitional patterns; but in the meantime, here's the pattern order list that I use for my cataloging; created with both ohmura's list and the addition of transitional patterns that I have observed. The patterns with asterisks and in red font, are the noted transitional patterns.
 
Work in progress:

Patterns in order
Pattern 1 = Copper tuska - 11mm Brass tsuba - Offset ito at fuchi.
*Pattern 2a =  Aluminum handle - 9mm Brass tsuba - Offset ito - punctured ito. SUYA, 東 .*
*Pattern 2b = Aluminum handle - 9mm Brass tsuba - Offset ito - adjusted ito around mekugi. GIFU, 名. *
Pattern 2 = Aluminium tsuka - 9mm Brass tsuba - Mirrored ito.
Pattern 3 = Aluminium tsuka - Steel tsuba - Mirrored ito.

*Pattern 3a = Aluminum handle - steel tsuba - mirrored ito - no bohi.

*Pattern 3b = Aluminum handle - Top latch but with side latch cutout - mirrored ito.
Pattern 4 = Aluminium tsuka - Steel tsuba - Side latch - Mirrored ito.
Pattern 5 = Wooden tsuka - Steel Tsuba - Side Latch - No Bohi - Steel saya.
Pattern 6 = Wooden tsuka - Steel Tsuba - Side Latch - No Bohi - Wooden saya.
Pattern 7 = Wooden ringed tsuka - Steel Tsuba - Side Latch - No Bohi.

Here is a really great thread topic that goes over some of the earlier transitional patterns:

https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/31314-Japanese-type-95-sword-for-ncos/
All the best,
-Sam

 

[Rawa]

2 hours ago, Scogg said:

You get a few different interpretations of the Type 95 patterns, but all generally agree with the basic order. I am working on putting together a photo guide that includes some of the less common transitional patterns; but in the meantime, here's the pattern order list that I use for my cataloging; created with both ohmura's list and the addition of transitional patterns that I have observed. The patterns with asterisks and in red font, are the noted transitional patterns.
 
Work in progress:

Patterns in order
Pattern 1 = Copper tuska - 11mm Brass tsuba - Offset ito at fuchi.
*Pattern 2a =  Aluminum handle - 9mm Brass tsuba - Offset ito - punctured ito. SUYA, 東 .*
*Pattern 2b = Aluminum handle - 9mm Brass tsuba - Offset ito - adjusted ito around mekugi. GIFU, 名. *
Pattern 2 = Aluminium tsuka - 9mm Brass tsuba - Mirrored ito.
Pattern 3 = Aluminium tsuka - Steel tsuba - Mirrored ito.

*Pattern 3a = Aluminum handle - steel tsuba - mirrored ito - no bohi.

*Pattern 3b = Aluminum handle - Top latch but with side latch cutout - mirrored ito.
Pattern 4 = Aluminium tsuka - Steel tsuba - Side latch - Mirrored ito.
Pattern 5 = Wooden tsuka - Steel Tsuba - Side Latch - No Bohi - Steel saya.
Pattern 6 = Wooden tsuka - Steel Tsuba - Side Latch - No Bohi - Wooden saya.
Pattern 7 = Wooden ringed tsuka - Steel Tsuba - Side Latch - No Bohi.

Here is a really great thread topic that goes over some of the earlier transitional patterns:

https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/31314-Japanese-type-95-sword-for-ncos/
All the best,
-Sam

 

Looks like fundation of great article/book

[Rawa]

On 7/10/2025 at 2:48 AM, Conway S said:

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…. 

Here you go fresh 835$ sale it was posted already kokura 109267

[Scogg]

9 minutes ago, Rawa said:

Looks like fundation of great article/book

Wouldn't that be cool? Even though i've accomplished quite a bit with my cataloging, I still feel like I have a lot to learn surrounding the arsenal and manufacturing landscape of WW2 Japan.

Maybe someday with some help.
-Sam

[BANGBANGSAN]

10 hours ago, Scogg said:

You get a few different interpretations of the Type 95 patterns, but all generally agree with the basic order. I am working on putting together a photo guide that includes some of the less common transitional patterns; but in the meantime, here's the pattern order list that I use for my cataloging; created with both ohmura's list and the addition of transitional patterns that I have observed. The patterns with asterisks and in red font, are the noted transitional patterns.
 
Work in progress:

Patterns in order
Pattern 1 = Copper tuska - 11mm Brass tsuba - Offset ito at fuchi.
*Pattern 2a =  Aluminum handle - 9mm Brass tsuba - Offset ito - punctured ito. SUYA, 東 .*
*Pattern 2b = Aluminum handle - 9mm Brass tsuba - Offset ito - adjusted ito around mekugi. GIFU, 名. *
Pattern 2 = Aluminium tsuka - 9mm Brass tsuba - Mirrored ito.
Pattern 3 = Aluminium tsuka - Steel tsuba - Mirrored ito.

*Pattern 3a = Aluminum handle - steel tsuba - mirrored ito - no bohi.

*Pattern 3b = Aluminum handle - Top latch but with side latch cutout - mirrored ito.
Pattern 4 = Aluminium tsuka - Steel tsuba - Side latch - Mirrored ito.
Pattern 5 = Wooden tsuka - Steel Tsuba - Side Latch - No Bohi - Steel saya.
Pattern 6 = Wooden tsuka - Steel Tsuba - Side Latch - No Bohi - Wooden saya.
Pattern 7 = Wooden ringed tsuka - Steel Tsuba - Side Latch - No Bohi.

Here is a really great thread topic that goes over some of the earlier transitional patterns:

https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/31314-Japanese-type-95-sword-for-ncos/
All the best,
-Sam

 

Sam

Some of the very first version of Aluminium handle also has 11mm Brass tsuba.

Also，there are some Pattern 5 with Bohi. 

[Scogg]

Just now, BANGBANGSAN said:

Sam

Some of the very first version of Aluminium handle also has 11mm Brass tsuba.

I have read mixed information about this. I have 7249 Tokyo, in my collection and it has a 9mm brass tsuba. 
 

It stands to reason that there would be some carry over, but I have never seen an aluminum with 11mm tsuba myself. If you have any examples for my list, or definitive sources I would love that for my records.

Sincerely,

-Sam

[Scogg]

As far as the pattern 5 with bohi, I have also never observed one myself. But it stands to reason that they exist. 
 

My catalog pattern list is still a work in progress and evolves as I see new features. I would love to add a Pattern 5a if/when I encounter any.

Edit: I see that I do have some early pattern 5s with a fuller denoted. Thank you! Will add that to my pattern list 

 

Patterns in order
Pattern 1 = Copper Tsuka - 11mm Brass tsuba - Offset ito at fuchi.
*Pattern 2a =  Aluminum handle - 9mm Brass tsuba - Offset ito - punctured ito. SUYA, 東 .*
*Pattern 2b = Aluminum handle - 9mm Brass tsuba - Offset ito - adjusted ito around mekugi. GIFU, 名. *
Pattern 2 = Aluminium Tsuka - 9mm Brass tsuba - Mirrored ito.
Pattern 3 = Aluminium Tsuka - Steel tsuba - Mirrored ito.

*Pattern 3a = Aluminum handle - steel tsuba - mirrored ito - no bohi.

*Pattern 3b = Aluminum handle - Top latch but with side latch cutout - mirrored ito.
Pattern 4 = Aluminium Tsuka - Steel tsuba - Side latch - Mirrored ito. 

*Pattern 5a = Wooden handle - Steel Tsuba - Side Latch - Has Bohi - Steel Saya.
Pattern 5 = Wooden Tsuka - Steel Tsuba - Side Latch - No Bohi - Steel saya.
Pattern 6 = Wooden Tsuka - Steel Tsuba - Side Latch - No Bohi - Wooden saya.
Pattern 7 = Wooden ring Tsuka - Steel Tsuba - No Bohi - Side Latch.
Pattern 8 = Ito wrapped Tsuka - Steel Tsuba - Side Latch.

Edited September 6 by Scogg
Added updated pattern list

[Conway S]

@Scogg Here is a pattern 5 with bohi:

 

 

[Scogg]

Thank you Conway. I've got that noted now. The variety of these swords is really amazing. Much appreciated!
 

@Bruce Pennington, the earliest Tokyo that I have recorded has a 9mm tsuba; do you know the mm of the tsuba on 10506 nagoya? It's my second earliest nagoya "pattern 2b" recorded, so it would be interesting to note. 
 

Thanks everyone,
-Sam

[Bruce Pennington]

12 hours ago, Scogg said:

10506

I traded that one to Ernie, Stegel, some time ago.  But I know it was fatter than standard.  You could email him for the measurement.

[Bruce Pennington]

Sam,

Six to eight 95s on this Proxibid collection of auctions.  Enjoy!

[Bruce Pennington]

Sam,

Here's a really early aluminum handle 95.  Found by @Bob in Ohio.  Don't know if he got more shots or not:

[Scogg]

Nice, that's a good one! I have a particular affinity for those early suya Pattern 2 swords. (in this case, probably a pattern 2a by my catalog list, meaning it likely has offset ito and the mekugi puncturing one of the ito knots.)

All the best,
-Sam

[BANGBANGSAN]

Sam

Here is   early aluminum handle  #6756

 

[Scogg]

Wow, Trystan @BANGBANGSAN!!!

That’s the earliest aluminum tsuka I’ve ever seen (6756). The latest copper example I have recorded is 6561, which places the transition from copper to aluminum tsuka within just 195 units. Incredible! Thank you so much for sharing this. It's incredibly satisfying to be able to add such a critical datapoint in this range. 

I really like these early suya 95s with the mekugi puncturing the aluminum ito.

Do you recall if it had a matching saya? Was this something you found in the wild?
Thanks so much,
-Sam

[Bruce Pennington]

And that is a Tenzoshan souvenir on the table. Can you get photos?

[BANGBANGSAN]

@Bruce Pennington @Scogg

Sorry guys, I got these photos from someone who attended a gun show a couple of days ago. I wasn’t there, so unfortunately I can’t fulfill your other requests at this time.