Copper type 95 sword knot: Real or replica?

[pt1093]

Hi all, 

 

   I am looking to compliment my copper handled type 95 with an original sword knot.  Can anyone offer hints on how to tell a replica from an original? 

 

Thanks,

Paul

[Bruce Pennington]

Like all things we collect, the best way to know how to spot a fake is to study the real thing enough that the fake characteristics stand out when you see them.

 

There are other guys who are more qualified to touch on this for you, but here's an easy one - look at the age of the leather.  Fakes are almost always new leather, while the real ones clearly have age. 

Fake

 

Real

 

Interestingly, quite often on ebay, the sellers actually say "Replica" or "Copy" in the ad.  They are almost always from China.

[Infinite_Wisdumb]

i will not be able to comment until we see pictures of your Copper 95

[pt1093]

Jesse, see attached.  It was slightly altered for combat I am guessing due to the extra screw

 

Bruce, I was actually looking at the one currently on Ebay.  It looks lighter than most examples I have seen, but also shows some wear.  The green kanji writing on the inside has me wondering.

 

Paul

[Stegel]

I’m of the opinion that the company grade tassel, already attached may be original to the sword.

With the shortage of sword supply in 1938, the IJA introduced the type95 rental program for officers.

This program enabled officers to rent a type95, until the back orders of type 98 were filled and supply returned to normal.

The option to buy the type95 outright instead of waiting for a type98 was also offered.

The tassel shown is quite long and fits well, also appears to have been there for some time.

What is the actual length?

[pt1093]

31 minutes ago, Stegel said:

I’m of the opinion that the company grade tassel, already attached may be original to the sword.

With the shortage of sword supply in 1938, the IJA introduced the type95 rental program for officers.

This program enabled officers to rent a type95, until the back orders of type 98 were filled and supply returned to normal.

The option to buy the type95 outright instead of waiting for a type98 was also offered.

The tassel shown is quite long and fits well, also appears to have been there for some time.

What is the actual length?

The length is 20.5" looped to the tsuba.  Alas, I bought this tassel a few years ago at a gun show.  It does compliment the sword well and you are correct about the rental program.  I did not realize it was due to lack of supply.

[PNSSHOGUN]

Well you had a good eye as it is an age appropriate early style tassel with the thinner and longer straps.