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 September 26 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

 

[Scogg]

Looking for a specific photo request:
 

Does anyone here own a Pattern 4 aluminum-handle side-latch with a serial number in the 200k–205k range?
 

I’ve noticed a subtle feature in the 130k range, and I’d like to check if the same detail appears in the 200k range.
 

If you have one of these 200k aluminum side-latch models, I’d really appreciate a close-up photo (both sides) of the cast samegawa area around the pommel/sarute.

Thanks so much for your help!
-Sam

[Bruce Pennington]

Sam,

You probably already have mine? 202446

 

[Conway S]

Are you referring to what looks like a glop in the casting? 
 

Here is an example in the 202,000 serial range:

 

WWII Japanese NCO OFFICERS SWORD SIDE LATCH & MATCHING NUMBERS ON SCABBARD #Y59

[Scogg]

Very interesting. 

Just so I'm less cryptic here: I was checking to see if your pommel area shared the casting flaw on the cast samegawa shown in my comment below (see how the dimpling is splotchy/incomplete left of the sarute). I have observed this same casting flaw on two 130k side-latch swords now. 

It appears that your 202446 does not share this feature (but maybe it's on the other side?). Interesting.

Thank you Bruce! 
-Sam

 

Edited November 3 by Scogg
Posted simultaneous with Coways last comment

[Scogg]

Precisely @Conway S!

 

200k range from the eBay link you provided:



130k range:

[Bruce Pennington]

I don't have my 200 one with me, but I have 134112, and it has the same flaw!

[drb 1643]

Sam, here’s pictures of my sidelock #134600 and the casting flaw is obvious. I never noticed this before so thank you for your insight.

Tom

[Conway S]

@Scogg I thought you were maybe talking about this other casting flaw which Stegel points out in this Warrelics thread:

 

Japanese nco nagoya sword

 

 

[Scogg]

Interesting! I had not seen that one before but I now see it on Bruce’s example and on the one that I used as an example (shown below). 
 

Thank you! Another little detail that I will note 
 

 

[drb 1643]

Yes, the other side of my side lock also shows this same flaw.

Tom

[Scogg]

Thank you fellas! Seems like they had some casting-mould problems during this pattern transition 

Very interesting, and something that I will note going forward. I am attempting to make a PDF photo guide of the pattern types including transitional patterns and some of the more subtle features, so things like this are important to include. Still a work in progress.

I'd love to consolidate much of the information about Type95s that's currently dispersed throughout many forums and sources. 

Thank you everyone, it is very much appreciated and helps my efforts greatly.
-Sam

[John C]

3 hours ago, Scogg said:

I am attempting to make a PDF photo guide

WAY OFF TOPIC ALERT!!

Sam:

Are you using Adobe in-design (ID) for this project? I use it for all of my book covers and New Employee Orientation booklets I write. It can't be beat for what you are doing. You can get it by the month for just 35 bucks per.

 

Okay...sorry for the digression. Back to type 95s....

 

John C.

[Scogg]

8 minutes ago, John C said:

WAY OFF TOPIC ALERT!!

Sam:

Are you using Adobe in-design (ID) for this project? I use it for all of my book covers and New Employee Orientation booklets I write. It can't be beat for what you are doing. You can get it by the month for just 35 bucks per.

 

Okay...sorry for the digression. Back to type 95s....

 

John C.

Currently, I'm just making my "drafts" on google docs. Google docs allows me to access the work from anywhere, and save my draft as a variety of file types. 

The goal is, to complete my draft, and then use a program like you describe to "format" my work so it's neat and easy-to-consume.

Currently, my big issue/annoyance is image placement.
Thank you for the recommendation! I am going to make a note to look into Adobe in-design.
-Sam

[John C]

5 minutes ago, Scogg said:

Currently, my big issue/annoyance is image placement.

As a program specifically designed for layout (magazines, books, menus, flyers, etc) this is where it shines. Also, It's cloud-based so you can access from anywhere. PM me if you want more information or have any questions.

 

John C.

[Rawa]

Kokura 58478
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14PHGjAJZMV/?mibextid=wwXIfr

[Bruce Pennington]

Here's one that checks all the boxes at this St Croix sale: Type 95

Leather covered, tassel, battle damage, early matching Suya Shoten with accurate wrap with screw through the wrap:

 

[Scogg]

Thats a really good one, and absolutely checks all my boxes. I really love these suya transitional patterns, and with all those accessories  !!

Thanks for sharing, 
A really good one for the list.
-Sam

ps. This one was previously shared on the NMB this year, although without much of the details like saya number, hanger, or the tassel. Must have been a shared eBay listing or something with worse photos than what St. Croix has now provided. 
 

[Conway S]

Checks all my boxes except the price…

 

Looks like the saya cover was originally made for a Type 98 based on the indentations in the leather where the haiken is located. 

[Bruce Pennington]

9 hours ago, Conway S said:

price

Yeah, dealer prices always over the top.

[Scogg]

My view may be biased when it comes to pricing, but I think it’s within the expected range. Matt is a good and reliable dealer; and both the tassel and the hanger can each be worth a couple hundred on their own, and both are hard to find.

 

This transitional aluminum model with the mekugi-punctured ito was produced, according to my notes, in roughly the same quantities as the copper-handled versions. I have an estimated production figure of fewer than 6,000, and it’s anyone’s guess how many actually made it through the war.

Just my opinion as someone who might like these "transitional patterns" a little too much 
-Sam

[robinalexander]

When is your 'All things 95' coming out Sam, because, I for one, would indulge in that.

 

Could be released in draft as a 'works in progress' with reliable member input, and could become quite some publication.

 

Rob

 

[Scogg]

@robinalexander I’m flattered, really! I have been working on a few documents. One being a download for the NMB with descriptions and photos of pattern types. What’s taking me so long is that I want to use my own, or donated photos. And my day job keeps taking all my time 
 

Believe it or not though, I still have a lot to learn on the subject. Also, there’s still a great deal of unknowns. 
 

Maybe someday though, with a lot of help.

-Sam 

[Conway S]

12 minutes ago, Scogg said:

What’s taking me so long is that I want to use my own, or donated photos.

Hey Sam, 

 

Maybe you could post a list of specific photos or patterns you are looking for so members can message you links or pics from their collections. 

[Scogg]

Thanks Conway, that's a good idea. It's been a slow going project, as I continue to learn as I progress.

I'd like photos from peoples collections that are voluntarily offered for this project. The last thing I want is to put something out there, and some individual or website claims I used their photos without permission. That's a hurdle I intend to avoid, and I want my work to be crowdsourced for the good of the hobby. I have even been considering buying and selling a few 95s just to acquire some of these images I need.

Basically, so far, I only have the transitional patterns (Patterns: 2a, 2b, 3a, and 4) dialed-in and am working on the regular patterns. I figured those would be challenging to acquire, so I'm feeling good about getting those. 

What I am still looking for is good detailed photos of the following patterns and details:
 

- An 11mm tsuba on aluminum tsuka Type 95.

- Pattern 1 = Copper handle - 11mm Brass tsuba - Offset ito at fuchi - Cap but no drag on saya.
- Pattern 2 = Aluminium handle - 9mm Brass tsuba - Mirrored ito.
- Pattern 5 = Wooden handle - Steel Tsuba - Side Latch - With(rare with)/Without bohi - Steel saya.
- Pattern 6 = Wooden handle - Steel Tsuba - Side Latch - Without Bohi - Wooden saya.
- Pattern 7 = Wooden ring handle - Steel Tsuba - Without Bohi - Side Latch - No serial numbers.
- Pattern 8 = Ito wrapped handle - Steel Tsuba - Without Bohi - Side Latch - No serial numbers.

As you can see, I've got a ways to go .
-Sam

 

photo example below: