MadMaxxxOZ Posted February 21 Report Share Posted February 21 Hi guys. I am a long term collector of WWII firearms, ammunition and associated gear but am now looking at buying my first original WWII Katana. I have done as much research as I can but, of course, can never be sure I am not being ripped of by a clever fake as I am a newbie. I am prepared to pay a decent amount for the pictured sword but would just like, if possible, some reassurance that I am really buying what I think I am. Thanks in advance for your help. Max 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray Singer Posted February 21 Report Share Posted February 21 Hi Max, the sword you shared pictures of is an NCO. It is not a traditionally made Japanese sword. Is that what you are looking for? The link below provides good information and examples of different types of gunto from that time period. http://ohmura-study.net/900.html 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadMaxxxOZ Posted February 21 Author Report Share Posted February 21 Hi Ray. Thanks for the quick reply. Yes, an NCO sword from WWII is exactly what I am looking for not a historically, traditionally made, many folded, hand made model. just looking to not get ripped off and am looking for a real WWII NCO's sword not a newish copy. If this really is a genuine example of what was carried by a Japanese soldier in WWII regardless of how it was made I am happy. Am I on the right track with this one? Many thanks. Max Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vajo Posted February 21 Report Share Posted February 21 The sword is real. The condition of the blade is nice. But i didn't like the black painted saya with that silverish koiguchi. The sarute is missing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadMaxxxOZ Posted February 21 Author Report Share Posted February 21 Ok. I see what you mean. The black saya put me off a bit too even with my limited knowledge. The silverish koiguchi and missing sarute don't bother me that much as I'm new to this and just want a pretty good but "mostly" original WWII model. Any idea why the saya would be black? Post war attempt at restoration? Again, not that important to someone at my level. As long as it is a genuine WWII model I can live with that. Looking at around $1000 To $1200AUD for it. If that's even close to a good deal I'm tempted. Thoughts? Many thanks. I know you guys would get questions like this all the time as I do about firearms and am grateful for your help as I try to help newbies in my field also. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vajo Posted February 21 Report Share Posted February 21 If you look for a decent model wait. There are so much Type95 out there. No time for hurry. The sword looks re-paint in my eyes. There are some black saya type95 reportet. But this doesn't look authentic colored. It looks like sloopy buba painted. 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Posted February 21 Report Share Posted February 21 Yep wait for org. You'll be happy in the long run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Pennington Posted February 21 Report Share Posted February 21 Agree with Chris. Whoever did the re-paint, painted the handle 'diamonds' the same brown as the ito. Real Type 95, though. Your price range is good, but like Stephen said, you can get one at that price with legit paint too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadMaxxxOZ Posted February 21 Author Report Share Posted February 21 Thanks heaps guys. You have been very helpful and, as expected, very knowledgeable. I now see what you mean about the paint job which actually does stand out with closer inspection. I now believe if I purchased it I would be forever looking at the paint and wishing it was original therefore I shall wait as you suggest for one with original paintwork. One more question, if you don't mind - are matching numbers rare and does this add much to the asking price? just asking in case I find an original one without matching numbers. EG. Using the one pictured as an example would it be much cheaper without them? Thanks again. Max. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Posted February 22 Report Share Posted February 22 Not really rare but do help getting a higher price. Be sure to check for sale section. Some very nice ones have been up recently. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadMaxxxOZ Posted February 22 Author Report Share Posted February 22 Thanks for the help guys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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