Shin Gunto

[Meekimoto]

Hello this is my Type 98? Shin Gunto Army Sword that I acquired from my grandpa after he passed away.  The blade and sheath 6 digit english numbers match.  I'd like some information about this sword, thank you.

[Scogg]

Hi Rob, welcome to the forum! 

Very cool sword. What you have is not a Type 98 - but rather a Type 95 NCO Shin Gunto

These swords were machine made between 1937 and 1945, yours is the "Pattern 3" version, with Aluminum handle and Steel Tsuba. If you can show me the serial number, and the stamps on the copper fuchi, I can likely share some more information about it's manufacture and maybe give you a rough date estimate. 

All the best,
-Sam

[Meekimoto]

Pic w serial numbers added.  95?  Thats cool 

[Scogg]

Cool indeed! These swords are pretty neat, and have become pretty desirable to collectors. Yours has the (NA = 名) NAGOYA STAMP near the serial number , meaning it's a Nagoya arsenal sword.

Judging by your serial number, without seeing the stamps, and comparing on my list. Closest date range I can guestimate would be around 1942...

Keeping the blade very lightly oiled (sewing machine oil / tsubaki oil / light pure clear unscented mineral oil) will help prevent rust from forming in a non invasive and safe way.
Thank you for sharing,
All the best,
-Sam

Edited Friday at 03:13 PM by Scogg
edited date range

[Meekimoto]

Thats neat, thanks for the fast reply and great information.  I didn't even notice the Nagoya symbol next to the serial number.  Thank you!

[Meekimoto]

what stamps do you need to see?

[Scogg]

There may be (or may not be) stamps on the FUCHI, which is the collar piece on the top of the handle, under the Tsuba.

It looks like your FUCHI is copper, so there should be some stamps visible. I think I can just barely see one of them on your first images. 

Here's a photo example of the stamps I am interested in - (Not my photo. I pulled this image from google.)

[Kiipu]

Hi Rob, welcome to the forum.  As already stated, your sword is a Type 95 Military Sword.  Below is a link to some basic information about them.

IJA Type 95 NCO Sword Info

[Meekimoto]

here you go

[Meekimoto]

Kokura Nagoya Seki

[Scogg]

You've got the stamps correct :   Seki Corporate Logo, Nagoya 名 , and the Kokura four stacked cannonballs.

The kokura stacked cannonball stamp changed in September 1942, so your sword was presumably made prior to that date.. My cataloging and knowledge is far from complete; but your serial number and stamps stand alone on my list - making it difficult to compare to others. That being said, it looks good and in nice condition. 

A nice looking example,
Thanks for sharing!
-Sam

[Meekimoto]

Stand alone on your list? My numbers aren't like your swords? Wow what's that mean?  What does my combination of 3 stamps mean?  What's the estimated value?  I'd never sell it, but just wondering. 

This was super fun.. thank you for helping me, everyone!
 

[Scogg]

My apologies, I see now that was a rather cryptic statement on my part. 
 

Nothing to worry about, in my opinion. I recently started cataloging type 95 swords that I encounter. I don’t have any others that have those three stamps in that general serial number range. Most around 117k that I have listed have stamps from Tokyo arsenal and Suya sword company. I believe it’s simply because my list is not complete or all encompassing.  

Your stamps indicate that it was made in nagoya arsenal by the seki sword co. Kiipu’s warrelics link helps explain that a little better then I can. It’s a rabbit hole of info learning about these. 

I see these swords sell between $750 and $1500 lately. 

All the best,

-Sam 

[Conway S]

Rob, 

 

Nice sword. Is it missing the screw in the handle or did you remove it? 

 

[Meekimoto]

I never would've figured all this out on my own. I came to the right place.  You guys know your stuff.  I'll scope Kiipu's page out, but I barely know what I'm doing lol . all new to me.  I guess the screw fell out since i've had it.. no!


Thank you tons Sam and Kiipu and Conway
-Rob Meek in Ohio

[Meekimoto]

Is there a way to get a new handle screw for it?

[Kiipu]

Rob, nothing wrong with your sword.  The 115,000 to 117,000 serial number range is intermixed with both Kokura and Nagoya manufactured swords.  I have a Nagoya, serial number 名117950, recorded from a 2020 eBay sale.  This sword is pretty close to the one you own.

 

 

[Meekimoto]

i think i lost the handle screw on accident. based on my pictures.. aww man

[Meekimoto]

[Meekimoto]

  it used to have one

[Scogg]

Bummer! Maybe you can locate it on the ground somewhere. 

If it just fell out easily, it probably was unthreaded or possibly damaged. You can find a replacement or a copy. Not ideal, but the screw is a pretty minor part so I wouldn't sweat it too much. If you were to sell it, I'd just disclose that you replaced the missing mekugi screw.

I don't know anything about this particular seller, but this is the part you're looking for:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/196866959064?

[Conway S]

Or maybe try to contact this guy:

 

https://www.nambuworld.com/donspartslist.htm

 

He was still active in 2020 according to a GunBoards post I found.  
 

Occasionally they will come up for sale here on the NMB or eBay. 

[Meekimoto]

thanks for that ebay link, that was astounding that you even found that bolt so fast.  I'm all over it. I messaged the guy and he has them for sale still.   Will order in a week or two when i get a couple extra bucks.  should i paint the mekugi bolt a flat black color or leave it be?  

[Kiipu]

Several different kinds of mekugi were used over time on the Type 95.  What you need for your Type 95 is a steel one.  Contact Don Schlickman and see if he has a reproduction available for sale.  This is the same Don that Conway mentions above.

[Meekimoto]

Don wrote me back as well..i might get the correct new black steel mekugi replacement afterall! awesome!

[Kiipu]

Next on your bucket list will be a leather sword knot, either real or a reproduction.  Gotta have one to complete the rig.

 

And once you are settled in and ready to dive into the deep end of the pool, take a look at the following WRF thread.

Short Development History of Type 95 Gunto

[Meekimoto]

I didn't know about these at all, the sword never had this even when my grandpa had it.  What is the purpose of these leather knots?

[Bruce Pennington]

Their original design was to be secured to the wrist so that in combat the sword would not be lost if it fell from sweaty hands.

 

By World War II, they were essentially just rank indications.

[Meekimoto]

cool. when i get a steel mekugi i'll show you how it came out.. thanks so much everyone

[Meekimoto]

Ordered a steel Mekugi set from Don!  only $25!  Thanks all