Corry

All, I saw it yesterday and spent a ton of time researching the blade. Pics aren't so good, but in some pics hada is visible and this rweaked my senses (and the extra set of drill holes). Weird thing is, is that it also has a Seki stamp on it. I spent hours attempting to decipher the highly stylized mei and it seems that some of his work I found on the net matches..it looks like he may have used different styles throughout the years. Do the ones in the pic resemble some of Gen Murata's signatures/swords. When I finally decided I was going to take my chances, it was sold ($1500). What I am wondering is, is this a very good price for a Murata gunto? What do they usually go for in this condition? It's sold, but I am asking these questions, so I am better prepared next time. Link: https://griffinmilitaria.com/product/wwii-Japanese-officers-shin-gunto-sword-signed-kanemasa/ Cheers, Corry

This as well: https://www.martialartswords.com/blogs/articles/research-reveals-metal-composition-of-Japanese-swords Rgds, Corry

Some of you may find these interesting. The metallurgy of the Japanese sword. https://www.esomat.org/articles/esomat/pdf/2009/01/esomat2009_07018.pdf https://www.tf.uni-kiel.de/matwis/amat/iss/kap_b/backbone/rb_6_4.html Best Regards, Corry

Very nice!!! Sorry, I violated the quote rule. You picked that up for $50??? When? oH, now I see, "Considerably more than $50." Makes sense. Easily $1000, but not up on current prices. You saw that other one that went for $2700 amd yours is nice and min ty, so maybe much more! Cheers!

John, LOL, Whenever I see rare or extremely rare I just skip it on the sellers list don't even look(means they want well over market). Unless it's an orig Pour Le Merite (Blue Max WW1) or a knights cross. Rgds, Corry

John, I agree, but if Japan ever makes these legal to own the price will go way up. Younger Japanese don't seem to feel the same stigma as the older ones. This is true of younger Germans and Europeans as well (on WW2 German items), but still taboo. From my experience the vast majority are not Nazi's. To them it's just history. There is a BIG difference between having a private collection (and not being a nazi) and marching down the street with a nazi flag. JMHO Regards, Corry

I don't see anywhere near as many type 95's as I used to. Maybe, just not surfing ebay as much.

All, Ive been looking, but I can't find an index of serial numbers that correlate to the approximate year made. Here is a brass tsuba type 95 Sorry, Iijima, Tokyo, Tōkyō First Army Arsenal trademark. I am guessing ~1940 by the serial number. Can anyone point me to a links that lists these numbers or offer an opinion on when this sword was made? Regards, Corry

John, It was driving me nuts last night! Correct assembly is very important to me (as with any serious collector). The button came out (on the type 98) and the spring was a royal PITA to get back in at the same time as the release pin. I probably spent an hour on that. There has to be a technique that I am not aware of that would make it easier. Thanks again! Rgds, Corry

All, I noticed this the other day with one of my type 98's. Does the spring (curved part) go inside the box (next to the button hole or does the curved springy part go outside of the box. Inside makes more sense to me. But my type 3 curvy part is too short to go into the box..still works fine tho. Regards, Corry

Kiipu, Just checked the type 3 and there are no marks except on the Nakago. Nothing on the Seppas, hangar or other fittings. Best Regards, Corry

I have been trying for a while now, but can't translate the maker or date (Type3 2 hole Nakago). Here are some pics: Cheers, Corry

Here is one off of a Type 3 two hole nakago: