WW2 Shin Gunto

[Bullster]

Hi guys,

Could I get your opinions on the following two swords - all information would be very much appreciated. Many thanks in advance.


Sword 1:

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[Bullster]

Here is Sword 2

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[STEGEL]

Pics for sword 2 are VERY small, but from what i can see, both are genuine Tokyo Arsenal examples.
They are in reasonably good condition.

[Bullster]

Thank you for your feedback Stegel. Any way to localize dates from the serials?

Ill post some resized images of Sword 2. Are they both aluminium handled with bronze tsuba?

[Bullster]

[ATTACH]4574286[/ATTACH]

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[ATTACH]4574289[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH]4574290[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH]4574291[/ATTACH]

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[bangbangsan]

Both authentic type 95 NCO sword, in good condition.

[STEGEL]

Any way to localize dates from the serials?

Are they both aluminium handled with bronze tsuba?

Second question first, - yes they are both Aluminium handles, painted to resemble the officer's type 94/98 models.
Sword 1 has a black painted steel tsuba, which is the contingency version.
This came about due to materials shortages in the war effort due to embargoes etc. and the need to preserve copper/brass and the like.
Sword 2 has the originally released brass tsuba. It has a thickness of 9mm, whereas the copper handled versions (very first release of this model sword) had a thicker 11mm version, otherwise identical.

These were produced in 'blocks' of allocated serial numbers to the sub-contractors (identified by the stampings on the collar or fuchi) and If you assume seqential production of these blocks then sword 2 was produced in 1939 and sword 1 would be late 1944.
Nick Komiya who used to be at this forum, has produced production figures from the archives and that is what i based the dates on.

Hope this helps

[Bullster]

Thanks guys, for all the information. Very helpful advice!