FS: ORIGINAL SECOND WORLD WAR TYPE 95 IJA NCO Samurai Sword ....
Authentic Type 95 IJA NCO sword of the aluminum tsuka (handle), top latch, Iron tsuba (hand guard) type made by Suya for the Tokyo Arsenal under Kokura administration.
SPF
An excellent original Japanese Type 95 (Model 1935) ‘Shin Guntō’ Pattern Sword manufactured by Ījima Tōken Seiakusho between 1942 and 1943 and issued to Imperial Japanese Army NCOs as a mark of their rank. It was designed to resemble the Officers Type 94 (Model 1934) kyūyon-shiki guntō which was itself styled to resemble the Tachi of the classic Samurai Kamakura period (1185-1332). This imitation was deliberate as the Japanese Imperial Army wished to foster the code of Bushido (the way of the warrior) in its soldiers and the sword was a reminder of a legendary period in Japanese history. This type of sword replaced the earlier ‘Kyū Guntō’ or ‘Old Army Sword’ and was therefore collectively known as the ‘Shin Guntō’or ‘New Army Sword’
The Type 95 (Model 1935) was a machine made weapon manufactured under the supervision of the various Army Arsenal’s (This example has aTōkyō First Army Arsenal stamp).It was manufactured in 3 Patterns; the first, or ‘early’ pattern produced between 1935 and 1942 had an aluminum or copper painted alloy hilt (Tsuka) with a Brass aoi-shaped guard (Tsuba), a horseshoe chape (Ishizuki) and a painted steel scabbard (Saya). The second, or ‘intermediate’ pattern, of which this sword is an example, produced between 1942 and 1943 had a cast iron/steel rather than brass Tsuba while later versions had a locking catch in the middle of the grip face rather than on the back edge like this 'early' version. The third, or late ‘economy’ production types, produced from 1944 onwards were characterized by solid wood grips and in some cases wooden/bamboo scabbards.
The machine made Katana profile blade of these swords was designed for cutting and thrusting and has a reputation for robustness and utility. The blade on this particular example displays the usual nicks and scratches characteristic of sword practice and use and is patinated consistent with age. The painted aluminum tsuka (hilt) is very good and much of the paint finish on the saya (scabbard) remains. The sword is stamped with the production number 52180. The scabbard is NOT numbered.
These Type 95 (Model 1935) ‘Shin Guntō’ Pattern swords are well made and were used by NCO’s of the Imperial Japanese Army throughout the Second World War. They were very highly sought after by Australian, US and British troops as souvenirs. This weapon, which retains most of its wartime finish and has an excellent aged patina, is almost certainly one of those battlefield mementos.
This Imperial Japanese issue sword is an excellent example of its type. It is fitted with a painted aluminum moulded hilt, brass fixing nut and a machined copper ferrule (Fuchi) with 3 clear markings stamped into the obverse face. These are; on the right, the Tōkyō First Army Arsenal stamp, in the centre the Tōkyō First Army Arsenal inspection stamp and on the left theĪjima Tōken Seiakusho manufacturers trademark. The heavy cast iron Tsuba (guard) and Sepa (fittings) are excellent. The ‘Katana’ profile steel blade is ‘fullered’ and single-edged, tapering to a shallow point and is in very good original condition with patination on both blade faces (see pictures). The blade edge shows clear evidence of operational use with a number of what are termed by collectors ‘thumbnail strike marks’. The painted steel scabbard with its single hanger-ring is in excellent condition.
Type: Type 95 ‘Shin Guntō’ Pattern
Maker: Ījima Tōken Seiakusho
Overall Length: 925.0 mm
Blade Length: 700.0 mm
Blade Width (at guard): 30.0 mm
Scabbard: Painted steel
Overall Length of Scabbard: 746.0 mm
The markings on this sword are clear, with the Ījima Tōken Seiakusho manufacturers mark, the Tōkyō First Army Arsenal stamp and inspectors stamp (Kanji) visible on the Fuchi (ferrule). The obverse ricasso is stamped with the weapon serial number 52180 and the Tōkyō First Army Arsenal inspector’s Kanji. The scabbard throat is NOT numbered and the scabbard drag is faintly marked with an Army Arsenal inspection stamp (Kanji).
Priced at $650.00 delivered to the lower 48. Three day inspection with your money back (Minus my original shipping cost) if you're not happy.
You must be 18 or older to purchase this wonderful original sword.
rlc_hntr@yahoo.com
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