NCO type 95 ? WW2 or genuine fake ?

[Ben76]

Hello,

 

I hope your expertise will help me to see if it’s real or a genuine fake.

Somethings whispering in my ear that it’s not as real as made in Japan in WW2.

It’s for bidding and even if not real WW2 I would love to buy it, just not for the price of a real. What’s do you guys think ?

 

Hope on your answers,

 

Ben

 

[robinalexander]

Hi Ben, IMO it is a fake (reproduction)

 

Here is a good link on the IJA Type 95 NCO sword http://ohmura-study.net/957.html

Rob

[Ben76]

Hi Rob, thank you for your reply. The man even has papers from an auction saying it’s real. Can you please explain me what you see that it’s fake. 

[Scogg]

Hi Ben, I agree with Rob. 
 

Definitely a fake or repro. The biggest tell is the tip of the blade. The profile of the tip is wrong, and also the groove ends too early. Another big fake identifier is the dimpling on the handle; it should be raised and even from the casting process, whereas your example looks like it’s been punched inward with a tool. Other less obvious signs are the font of the serial number and the the stamps on the Fuchi. 

When it comes to Japanese swords, beware auction “papers of authenticity”, as their goal is primarily to SELL.
 

Hope this helps,

All the best,

-Sam

[robinalexander]

Hi again Ben, 

 

Now I was wrong on one of these the week before last...they are tricky but personally,  I wouldn't buy it.

 

As Sam pointed out the kissaki seems overly elongated for a 95

 

The bohi finishes early on Kissaki end

 

I also noticed what appears to be punched (concave) dimples on the tsuka

 

5he font on the numbering is unusual and in isolation maybe not bad but if I add everything up, it's a mark against

 

The fuchi stamps are also spac3d out and possibly overly large ...see my comparison picture 

 

Don't like the look of the menuki (weird shape/lack detail) ...again see pic of mine from the same Arsenal 

 

Small point but the bohi start is in the position but dosent have the normal square/rounded end (there were variations like this though)

 

Kabutogane looks rough lacks detail...large sarute loop.... again maybe variations but lots of small things sticking out for me

 

 

Rob

 

[Kiipu]

Without a doubt in my mind, Rob & Scogg are calling it what it is, a reproduction.

[vajo]

Easy way for the most repros.

Look at the nanako punches. Original it was positive. On fakes it is mostly negative.

 

 

[BANGBANGSAN]

Another fake one with close ser#