WORLD WAR TWO JAPANESE TYPE 95 NON COMMISSIONED
OFFICERS SWORD - SHIN-GUNTO – A VERY NICE SPECIMEN:
This World War Two Japanese
Type 95 Non Commissioned Officer’s Sword – “Shin-Gunto”
was acquired from a World War Two veteran’s estate and
has survived in very nice condition.
From all appearances, this sword presents in its
original configuration as it was manufactured and is not
a cobbled together piece assembled from post-war surplus
parts. Based on the information I have been able to
find, the characteristics of this sword indicate it was
produced prior to 1941.
The grip is made of aluminum with the cast-in lacing
painted with the correct original brown lacquer. There
is some minor wear to the high points of the lacing
pattern, but overall the great majority of the brown
lacquer is intact. The spring latch set in the top of
the grip which secures the sword in the scabbard is
present and fully functional.
The brass throat or “fuchi” at the base of the grip is
legibly stamped with the three maker stamps – read from
left to right with the blade pointing down – “Iijima”,
the group within the arsenal which produced this sword,
“Tokyo First Arsenal” where this sword was produced, and
“Kokura Arsenal” which administered the program under
which the Type 95 swords were produced. All three
stamps are fully legible.
The blade is overall very bright, with only minor spots
of frosting to the original polish and some limited
sharpening to the upper 25% of the right side. There is
no pitting or darkening to the surfaces and no nicks or
dings in the edge. The serial numbers and the Tokyo
First Arsenal stamp adjacent to the number on the blade
are both very legible, and the serial numbers on the
blade and on the throat of the scabbard are matching.
The brass guard and blade throat have a nice naturally
aged patina and both are full form with no damage or
misshaping.
The scabbard retains the majority of the khaki (also
described as brown) paint, with normal wear that one
associates with that occurring from use in the field.
The scabbard is full form with no dents or misshaping
and the hanger ring is present.
This is a very nice example of the Type 95 Non
Commissioned Officers Sword and it will be a pleasure to
own. (0306) $1250
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