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 Saturday at 01:31 AM 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.