Help me identify my Grandfathers sword

[Eddmcm]

I recently inherited my Grandfather’s sword which he acquired during the surrender of the Japanese in Singapore 1945. He was an RAF pilot who served in the far east. Unfortunately that’s all I know about it. The scabbard used to have a piece of leather around it, which I can remember from my childhood. 
I would appreciate any help identifying and learning about it.

[Eddmcm]

[Conway S]

Hi Edward, 

 

Your grandfather brought home a Type 95 NCO sword. This is an early one which features the copper handle (tsuka). I believe less than 7,000 of these were produced before production shifted to aluminum handles. It looks like the original scabbard was replaced at some point during the war based on the existence of the chape on the scabbard drag. There should be a serial number on the throat piece (opening). This is common especially on the early copper swords. It's a very desirable sword among collectors of WW2 Japanese swords, so take good care of it. 

 

Conway

[Bruce Pennington]

Edward,

You can read up on these on Ohmura's site: NCO Gunto 1935 - Ohmura

 

Care and cleaning: Japanese Sword Care - Japaneseswordindex.com

 

You can decode the stamps here: Type 95 Inspection Marks - Ohmura

 

@Scogg

[Eddmcm]

Thank you for the info and links. It’s wonderful to learn about it.

[Lareon]

Nice copper example. Can be quite desirable amongst gunto collectors

[lonely panet]

Heres one i use to own. Very close and mismatched saya too