Japanese military sword

[Japanese military sword]

Recently cleaning out my grandfather's shed and stumbled upon this. I know nothing about it. Is it legitimate, replica, real fake? What's the worth? No pin or screw to remove the handle so I'm assuming there's no makers mark.  Any feedback helps guys.  Thanks

[jawob]

NCO sword. There will be no signature on nakago(hilt). Someone more in the know will chime in.

[Scogg]

Hi Joeloe, welcome to the forum.

 

Let me start by saying that you are awfully lucky. And there is no need to take this apart; it’s best to keep this type of sword assembled. 

 

What you have is a “Type 95 Gunto”. Yours was made in 1938 by Suya Shoten Co, inspected by Tokyo first army arsenal inspectors, and under kokura arsenal supervision. Yours is the first variation, often referred to as a “copper hilt”. They only made about 6750 swords of this variation before switching to an aluminum hilt. 

 

The copper hilt variation#1 Type 95 gunto is exceptionally collectible, and I have recently seen examples sell for between 3k and 6k.

 

It’s real in my opinion. Does the scabbard have numbers at the opening that match the blade? Would you mind sharing an image of the tip/end of the scabbard also? 

Thanks for sharing,

-Sam 

[Bruce Pennington]

Joeloe,

Congrats on owning a highly coveted first edition NCO gunto!

 

Sam said it all.  Here is a link to caring for your sword: Japanese Sword Care

 

I recommend getting a Japanese sword cleaning kit.  They can be found on ebay, amazon, etc for not much money and your sword will benefit greatly from it.

 

You can read more about your sword on Ohmura's site: Non-commissioned Officers Gunto 1935 - Ohmura

 

As well as these articles and threads:

Japanese Type 95 Military Sword Variations - Sam Scoggins

 

Evolution of the Type 95 Gunto - Nick Komiya

[robinalexander]

Hi Joe, as you are new to this I just wanted to emphasise, or expand upon, a couple of points already made above.. I believe they are very important.

 

1. CLEANING ....dont clean too hard...IMO most buyers/collectors value and appreciate the patina that you find on every part of a sword like this.  So as it's > 80 years old please leave that patina intact.  Honestly, you do not want to go and polish the copper tsuka (handle) or any other part of a sword that may well have been through China and WW2. Just gently clean to remove dirt and dust then super light oil and that's it.

 

2. DISASSEMBLY  ... as mentioned, please don't do it.  TYPE 95's such as this were not designed or meant to be disassembled for cleaning or anything else.  Unlike Officers swords (Types 94, 97 & 98) that were actually made to be taken apart.  As Sam said there is nothing on the tang under the tsuka so it's far better to leave it together....nice and tight.

 

I also would be interested in seeing clear pics of the number on the saya (scabbard) throat....if its matching,that's a plus and it would make it an even better example.

 

You have got something quite special there...take care of it.

 

Rob

[vajo]

Hi Joe

congrats, you hold the holy grail of collecting NCO swords in hand.

Don't clean it. Don't rub it. Only oil slightly the blade. I would not dissamble it.

 

 

[vajo]

The only thing that worries me is the condition of the metal saya. It looks as though it was stored in unfavorable, humid conditions. You should consult experts to halt the rusting and preserve the piece. This has a huge impact on the sword's value.