Japanese early second pattern WWII Type 95 NCO shin gunto with matching numbered scabbard.
This sword has a cast aluminium tsuka (hilt) with an approximately 10mm thick ornate aoi-shaped brass 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 a second pattern sword (the first pattern being the extremely rare copper hilted model). The low, matching numbers on blade and scabbard, 31278 date the sword to around 1938.
This sword was taken during WW2 by Flying Officer Stephen Dunnett of 211 (Fighter-Bomber) Squadron, based in Malaya and operating on the Burma Front. Stephen Dunnett was sadly killed in 1945 while flying his De Haviland Mosquito and his personal effects, including this sword were returned to his family in the UK. The sword is accompanied by a letter of provenance from his family.
The copper fuchi bears a Suya Shoten, private sector manufacturer’s mark, Tokyo First 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 so its identification stamp is often found on Type 95 swords.
The 67 cm (not including the habaki) blade is in near mint condition. The serial number, 31278, and arsenal stamp are marked above the bohi (fuller). These pre-war production Type 95 Shin Gunto were carried by career soldiers, Non-Commissioned Officers of the rank of Sergeant, Sergeant-Major and Colour-Sergeant. Traditionally, these men considered their sword to be their primary weapon. The blade retains its fighting edge.
The cast aluminium tsuka (hilt) retains its original paint with only minor wear. The scabbard latch is in good condition and works well.
The steel scabbard is in excellent condition and retains its original paint (with some wear). The throat of the scabbard bears a matching serial number, 31278.
Japanese WWII swords are amongst the most copied/faked of all swords and prospective buyers should beware.
This is a great, early production, matching numbered example of a sought after Japanese NCO’s Type 95 sword that was carried and used by a career soldier in the Imperial Japanese Army.
