Shin gunto type 95

[domi88]

I would like to have a specialist opinion to tell me more about this Shin Gunto Type 95 ... there is a number on the blade. But not on the scabbard .. is it possible? THANKS

[Scogg]

6 hours ago, domi88 said:

there is a number on the blade. But not on the scabbard .. is it possible?

Hi Domi,

Yes, this is possible. If the sword underwent a field repair/replacement the scabbard may not have been re-serialized. I actually have a Type95 in my collection without a number on the scabbard. 

The Type95 in your photos is a Nagoya Arsenal blade, bearing the fuchi stamps: 'Sakura Ichi',  Nagoya 名, and the Kokura arsenal four stacked cannonballs. Because it was still under the Kokura arsenal it dates prior to September 1942... Someone else might be able to narrow it down, but I would conservatively say between June 1939 and September 1942. 

 

The Orange/Brown tassel is pretty desirable too, but I'll allow someone who's more familiar on those to comment about that.
All the best,
-Sam

[Bruce Pennington]

Yes, the tassel was for Feild grade officers - Majors and Colonels.  Unusual to be on an NCO sword.  It could have been added after the war but it is possible that an officer bought the sword during the periods of sword shortages.  Officers were permitted by regulations to rent or purchase NCO gunto during those times.

[domi88]

17 minutes ago, Scogg said:

Hi Domi,

Yes, this is possible. If the sword underwent a field repair/replacement the scabbard may not have been re-serialized. I actually have a Type95 in my collection without a number on the scabbard. 

The Type95 in your photos is a Nagoya Arsenal blade, bearing the fuchi stamps: 'Sakura Ichi',  Nagoya 名, and the Kokura arsenal four stacked cannonballs. Because it was still under Kokura arsenal supervision it dates prior to September 1942... Someone else might be able to narrow it down, but I would conservatively say between June 1939 and September 1942. 

 

The Orange/Brown tassel is pretty desirable too, but I'll allow someone who's more familiar on those to comment about that.
All the best,
-Sam

Thank you very much. After it is an aluminum handle that might think that it is an early model .. thank you in any case. 

[Scogg]

Your sword is the Pattern 2 configuration, with aluminum handle and brass tsuba. Based on it's serial number and stamps, I would say it's not particularly early or late.

It's my belief that the pattern 2 configuration was continued into the later parts of the war at least from the Iijima factory.

 

It is not entirely clear what date the transition from Pattern 2 to Pattern 3 happened at every arsenal or sword shop. 

Some of these finer details and transitional dates are what I am committed to investigating.
@Kiipu may or may not have more information for us. 
Cool sword!
-Sam

[domi88]

36 minutes ago, Scogg said:

Votre sabre est de  configuration Modèle 2  , avec une poignée en aluminium et une tsuba en laiton. D'après son numéro de série et ses poinçons, je dirais qu'il n'est ni particulièrement ancien ni particulièrement tardif.

Je pense que la configuration Modèle 2 a été conservée jusqu'à la fin de la guerre, du moins depuis l'usine d'Iijima.

 

La date exacte de la transition du modèle 2 au modèle 3 n'est pas entièrement connue dans chaque arsenal ou atelier d'épées. 

Je m'engage à enquêter sur certains détails précis et dates de transition.
@Kiipu Peut-être qu'il y aura plus d'informations à nous communiquer. 
Superbe épée !
- Sam

Thank you very much 

[Bruce Pennington]

You can read all about the Type 95 here:

Japanese NCO Gunto - Type 95 - Ohmura