Real or fake?

[Simms23415]

This sword is for sale locally, and I have searched this forum and online for anything similar. The lack of any similar type swords leads me to think it is a fake, but I thought I would run it by wiser minds than my own. Seller states that it is numbers matching.  Thank you for your time.

[Kiipu]

The blade and its fittings looks good but the scabbard is for an officer's sword.  Notice the scabbard lock on the hilt does not lock into the scabbard.  Also note the two tassels, one for an officer and the other for an NCO.  I would hazard to say it is a mismatch; but it is real.

 

What does the seller mean that the numbers match?  Ask for a photograph of this.

[Fortress_13]

Hello, I actually bought this yesterday. Copy/paste of a portion of his description reveals he just scabbed it from online. 

 

It is however a very nice setup, albeit unmarried. Still dripping with cosmoline which I was going to enquire with you all about here soon.

 

I suppose since there is now a thread on this, I'll have to sign up hahah. Long time lurker, first time poster here. Names Eric. Small time collector.

 

Funny to see this pop up. The guys at odyssey 2 here in everett were pretty excited to see it walk in, pretty bummed it walked back out again.

[Fortress_13]

I guess my question on the cosmoline would be to leave it? Of course I instantly wanted to clean it off and admire the thing. 

I suppose leaving it would protect it for future generations. The paint is just so nice, I would hate to miff the blade in any way.

 

Also, anyone have a line on a type 1 aluminum handle sword saya?? I know it's a long shot, but somewhere near serial # 116068 would really be neat. 

 

I'll post a few pics after work if anyone's interested. 

Thanks-- Eric

[John C]

Eric:

I had one with cosmoline. It had turned a dingy hard yellow. I removed it so I could not only see the blade but also oil it properly. There are some discussions on NMB about removing it (search cosmoline).

John C.

[Fortress_13]

Thanks John. I took the plunge and gave it a initial wipe. Came off fairly easily, although the crevices will need ALOT more work. 

 

Here's a few pictures, hopefully nobody starts talking polish to me.. 'wink

[Fortress_13]

Spoiler

 

 

[Fortress_13]

[Fortress_13]

[Fortress_13]

[Fortress_13]

[Fortress_13]

I apologize if that was the wrong way to go about it.. 

 

The sarute is incorrect too yes? More along the lines of the saya that came with it?

[vajo]

remove the sarute. It is historical wrong and doesn't look nice on a nco sword. Keep it for a Type98

[Bruce Pennington]

Nice example of the Seki Token contractor stamp!  With the Kokura Army Arsenal stamp, this blade would have been made, most likely, prior to 1942.  Guys that track serial numbers could narrow that down for you.

 

Nice job cleaning up the cosmoline.

[Kiipu]

Hi Eric, it was noted that the sword was matching, presumably by the serial number?  Is this indeed the case?

 

A disclaimer is in order.  Japanese officers did use and modify Type 95s.  They could either rent or purchase them outright.  It is a rather hotly debated issue when these hybrids, a Type 95 blade with officer fittings or vice versa, appear.

Puzzling Type 95 Nco

 

The leather sword knot is causing verdigris to form on the crossguard and should be removed.  Also, some greases can stain the blade, so it would be wise to remove all the grease from the blade.  Replace it with a substance that is more blade friendly.

 

A finally, some better reading material for your edification.

Short Development History of Type 95 Gunto

[Fortress_13]

Thanks for all the information gentlemen, I will likely be breaking it down and doing a thorough cleaning hopefully next week sometime, and I will update then. 

 

His description was copied from a 95 add from the internet, it just happened to match this piece loosely enough to use it. 

 

The blade is sloppy in the saya, so I have to assume it just happened to fit at some point and that is that. Maybe it was a swap because some soldier liked the look of the 98 saya better, here a pack of smokes, let's trade kinda thing.. 

 

The casting on the tsuba has me a bit concerned. The handle side is well defined, while the blade side just looks bad. Could just be a poor cast I suppose. Just doesn't look as well defined as images I've seen. 

 

We shall see what shakes out when it apart I suppose. 

 

Thanks again gents! Sure is a fun hobby. I have a few other pieces I would like insight on as well, will have to start a new thread at some point.

[robinalexander]

15 hours ago, Fortress_13 said:

, I will likely be breaking it down and doing a thorough cleaning hopefully

Hi Eric, 

If by 'breaking it down', you mean taking the tsuka off and disassembling tsuka, seppa and habaki and cleaning it...I would advise against this.

 

It is a Type 95 NCO sword with nothing (to speak of) on the nakago.  Pulling it apart won't reveal anything but could certainlyresult in damage/wear and more likely, it may not go back together as tightly as it is now.

 

Unlike the Officer's Type 94, 97 and 98 which are actually made to be disassembled, cleaned, remounted

etc.

 

Rob