Type 95 Gunto Worksheet

[Scogg]

On 9/5/2025 at 6:18 PM, Scogg said:

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.

 

On 9/5/2025 at 6:12 PM, BANGBANGSAN said:

Sam

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

Also，there are some Pattern 5 with Bohi. 

I understand it may not be possible, but I am very curious about the tsuba thickness of #6756.

Nick Koyima states in his warrelics thread (linked below) "Short Development History of Type 95 Gunto", on page 2:
"....Stu W's article describes the second model as having an aluminum grip and continuing to have a 11 mm thick Tsuba, but the Tsuba design was definitely switched to 9 mm thickness at the same time as gaining aluminum grips.
The only possible and likely reconciliation is that mixing of old and new specs occurred to use up remaining stock of old Tsubas and Seppas...."

Ever since reading this thread, and hearing rumors of 11mm brass tsuba on pattern2 aluminum Type 95's, I have been searching for one... I have a suspicion that none exist amongst the early Suya made Type 95s. I am not so sure about the GIFU/NAGOYA early aluminum pattern 2 tsuba thickness. 

If anyone has an aluminum handled Type 95 with Nagoya and Gifu stamps under serial number ~19000, I would VERY appreciative of a tsuba measurement taken with calipers. 

The search continues,
-Sam
 

https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/Japanese-militaria/short-development-history-type-95-gunto-676112-2/

[Bruce Pennington]

I used to own this one, but I traded it to Ernie @Stegel.  Pretty sure it's the thicker one.  I'll see if I can get a measurement from him.

[Scogg]

Thank you Bruce. It does look thick. It would be very interesting if 11mm tsuba were found on the early Nagoya/Gifu but not the early Suya/tokyo stamped swords. It would solve a small mystery for me, and maybe even allow me to update my transitional pattern list. 

I sent Stegel a message early September for a measurement but have not yet heard back. 

I believe @Swords might have had a similar example. Any chance you have a precise tsuba thicknesss measurement Steve? 

Thanks again everyone,
-Sam
 

[Stegel]

On 9/23/2025 at 6:42 AM, BANGBANGSAN said:

Sam

Here is   early aluminum handle  #6756

 

 

 

 

Hi Trystan,

Where did you come across this sword??

I'm asking because i actually bought and paid for this sword back in Jan  2020 from memory

But it never arrived!

 

Edited Friday at 03:33 AM by Stegel

[Stegel]

On 9/23/2025 at 7:14 AM, Scogg said:

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

Yes, it is matching blade and scabbard.

A pic for your info.

 

[Scogg]

Much appreciated Stegel! I'm sorry to hear that this one disappeared on you...

Something I find particularly interesting, is that the first 6 digit in the serial number 6756, appears to be double struck both on the blade and on the saya.

Thanks again,
-Sam