Imperial Japanese Army Type 95 (fourth pattern) NCO shin gunto with matching serial numbers. Produced by the Nagoya Arsenal.
This sword has a cast aluminium tsuka (hilt) with a 5 mm thick plain iron tsuba (guard). The fuchi is copper and the sword is secured in the scabbard by a top latch, all of which identifies it as being an early fourth pattern sword dating to mid-1941. After mid-1941, the tsuba and fuchi were made of unadorned iron and the latch mechanism for securing the sword in the scabbard had been moved to the side of the tsuka.
Prior to the attack on Pearl Harbour in December 1941, the Japanese government ordered that production of swords for the military be increased but that costs be cut and materials such as brass and copper be reserved for other war effort projects (munitions). This sword was made at the crossover between the third and fourth pattern type 95’s and while the Nagoya Arsenal was using the last of the third pattern parts.
The copper fuchi bears a Gifu sword maker's stamp, Nagoya Arsenal inspection stamp and a Kokura Arsenal identification stamp. The Kokura Arsenal did not produce any Type 95 Shin Gunto but over-saw the production of these swords by the Tokyo First and Nagoya arsenals so its identification stamp is sometimes found on Type 95 swords.
The 67 cm (not including the habaki) machine made blade is in excellent, near mint condition. The serial number and a Nagoya Arsenal stamp are clearly marked above the bo-hi (fuller). The blade has been armoury sharpened.
These early war production Type 95 Shin Gunto were usually carried by career soldiers, not conscripts and were considered by many as a primary weapon. The blade retains its fighting edge.
The cast aluminium tsuka (hilt) retains over 90% of its original paint and is in excellent condition. The tsuka is firm on the tang. There is very slight play in the tsuba which is quite usual. The scabbard latch is in good condition and works well.
The steel scabbard is in excellent condition, without dents or damage and retains much of its original paint finish. The serial number on the throat of the scabbard matches that of the blade.
Japanese WWII swords are amongst the most copied/faked of all swords and prospective buyers should beware.
This is a great and guaranteed genuine Japanese NCO's Type 95 sword that was most likely carried by a career soldier.
