robinalexander

Tks Corry, apologies an 'old moment' I think. When I saw your heading Possible repaint on NCO? and then started to read post and look at pics I got the (incorrect) impression you thought the paint job may be bodgey and u were considering 'making it right' ...my misread...all good. Rob

Hello Corry, My opinion....PLEASE do not attempt any repaint of saya. They are both ok as they are. There are lots of minor colour variations in 95 saya's and yours are no exception. Nice examples. Good retention of paint on the handles by the way. Rob

Hello Trystan, I would be interested to know why you say a lot of them went to China. Just havent heard of that one before (usually thousands of replicas/fakes coming out of China). ☺ Rob

Thanks Brian...no offence meant Hamish...but we dont see 95's advertised for sale like we did in the past. Rob

Understand Hamfish (I'd rather address your by your real name or call you somerhing 'OZ' like Hammo) but my point was not so much price, but rather, actual numbers of 95's for sale. Just dont see them for sale much anymore. Rob

Wow...must have been lucky or good buying with my seven! Rob

One of my pet hates is people, who should know better, selling something that they know is a copy/fake. Habitual with some Ebay sellers. Laws vary considerably between states let alone countries but negligent misrepresentation basically occurs when someone makes a statement without regard to the true facts. Rob

PS. And I'm not talking about copper tsuka NCO's...they are a different kettle of fish altogether.

Thanks Kolekt-To ....something about NCO's has been on my mind for a few months now which possibly relates to your thread. My point. I remember that only 3 or so years ago there were ample NCO's on the market at auctions, military sites, Ebay etc...you could take your pick depending on price and condition of course. I recall prices were ...ballpark...US $450 to $650. BUT, since Covid really kicked in it has been hard to ignore the real lack of genuine NCO stock being offered for sale/auction. Plenty of replicas and fakes but compared to 3 years ago (and further back) if seems to be 'spot the NCO'. Why? Is it possible 'loose' stock is becoming exhausted and they have been snapped up over the last 10 or more years to the point that they are now all in collections. If there is any truth in that, it could explain why these prices are now being paid? Supply and demand??? Where have all the NCO's gone? Rob

That's a good thread Bruce with some considered comments about the possible 'rise' of the MRS. I have to admit that I found that thread when I started looking at what Neil meant by MRS and after looking at his good pics. Never seen them before and great to 'discover' yet another variation with some mystery attached. Rob

And another one just noticed on Ebay https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/WW2-Japanese-SWORD-TYPE-3-OFFICERS-GUNTO-Signed-Nobumitsu-dated-Showa-18-/144188802868?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0 Looks made up to me but who knows, a lot of Type 95 sarutes are pretty shakey..... and with incorrect all brown tassel (unless Gunzoku). Rob

Geoff, To consider your question. It would be good to know (ballpark) , how many 95's and 98's were actually issued compared to RS swords. Logically, if the RS are in a real minority (numbers wise) AND they were around more-so later war (i.e. more struggle than glory) then, again logically, there may be a lot less photos. Just a thought. Rob

Very nice Neil...that particular sarute matches so well with the whole RS concept of 'more serviceable' ...'robust'....impressive piece. Rob

Yep, i just thought the circled/blurred picture on the left was supposed to be a close up 'end' shot of the Ishikuzi. All good. Rob

Ok I'll have a go..... 1. Cant see Ishizuke? 2. Type 94 should have pierced tsuba? 3. no second ashi. so its a Type 98 withou a picture of the Ishizuke? Rob

Bruce, I would really like to open my own tassel discussion so could you make me a few as well?

Ken, If you close the deal it would be great if you could post some clear pics and share your thoughts once you have it in hand. Rob

Ken, I withdnraw any negative opinion...i put a high value in John's view on this....he is very exlerienced 😊 Rob

Hi Ken, I presume you mean 200 euro for the one sword (only) in foreground with 'unusual handle'? If that is the case, IMO the only thing may have potential is the blade itself but logically why would anyone put a good/old/valuable blade in those mounts. 200 Euro would be a bit of a gamble. Dont know what is going on with those mounts 😟 ...Ive never seen anything like it and I really dont like em (at all!), but others are more experienced there. On the other hand, if its 200 for all thee swords and you can afford to lose it, then just go for it and sort it all out later (to be sure). Good luck. Rob

Hi Geoff, I dont have a lot of experience with tassels but I have a few and have asked similar questions of memvers in the past. My opinion....firstly they are probably both Navy as the IJA didnt have plain brown UNLESS the person was Gunzuko and I believe some civilians 'engaged' by the IJA, had brown tassel (might need some clarification on the Gunzuko/brown tassel) In regard to colour variation, you will notice the left one is more worn and also lighter in shade. To me that means it just seen more wear, sun, salt and rain. Converserly, the one on the right is less worn and has a deeper 'newer' colour. I think navy tassel have many shades of brown due to the conditions mentioned above and also variations in manufacturing processes and materials. Just look at the many variations in the colour of the ito on kai guntos. I like them both Rob

Ahhhh goals....what do I like? WW2 mounted blades, historical authenticity, provenance (hard to find) and a wild hamon and for me, the exquisite top shelf of hamons is Mt Fuji with, a sun! Thats my holy grail and thanks to Brian for the attached picture from his 2016 post 👍. But it didn't start that way. 2016 I went to the military museum in Darwin NT and was taken by a real gunto (98) in a display cabinet...awesome. One year later came across another one at the markets .... Koshirae in poor condition ...it had a blade of some description with scratchy writing but they wanted too much US $450 and I was with my wife 🤔 ( it could have been anything...including great!). But the collector hook had been set. So with interest at a high, I read and researched the internet and decided, on good advice, that I shouldn't waste money on a few cheap guntos but instead, just buy something of value first up. So with logic rather than heart I bought a beautiful Koto Uchigatana (influence Soshu/Chikuzen school) in nice 98 mounts, mumei from the UK (John Carlin/Bill Tagg). I wont sell it! Ok been there done that....it was then that I developed a real (maybe my original?) liking for 95's and some leather tassels. Having been one, like my dad, the NCO's will always have a special place with me. Gathered a modest collection of each variety and I'm very happy with that ✔). Then discovered 98's and bought my first (blind) on Aus. Ebay for a very modest price and it turned out to be a Teruhide with surrender tag and provenance (tsuka not off since 1945 ....I know, I know....but really, that is true). This is a good start to collecting....yes? Started buying real books, listening to people and adding some beautiful swords to my small collection. A greater interest in gendaito is developing but unfortunately and honestly, I have found that the more I think I know, the greater risk I expose myself to (no one from NMB 😊). For me, a little knowledge can be dangerous so self control and thought are things I need to keep handy in my pocket. 95's were so much easier. Collecting goals? - Like others, my collecting goals have definately evolved. If I stopped now, I would be very happy. I haven't sold any of my swords and, at this time, have no intention or desire to buy anything else but I guarantee something will come up. In the mean time I have started documenting each sword and that is an interesting and very educational task in itself. Happy collecting. Rob

JR, My message crossed over with Bruce's and he has a lot more experience than me but I suppose it comes down to personal choice. For me, I dont remove the handles from 95's ......a conservation/preservation thing.... although have to admit I did it once with a second stage 95. If the numbers on the sword and saya match then that is a very good thing. Rob

J R, Nothing to be gained by removing the tsuka (handle), usually nothing at all on the tang. You will not find any mei or swordsmith's signature. BUT be aware that if you do remove it, you run the risk of breaking screws and generally just not being able to get it back together to fit as tightly as it does now! I have a real softspot for the last of the Type 95's but they are machine made blades usually of low quality steel (not traditionally made). So in terms of skill or art, there is never anything special about the blade itself. That would be the worst struck serial number I have ever seen (maybe its the bad picture) and it would worry me a little. Is there any corresponding number on the throat of the saya (scabbard) ? Picture of mine attached. Rob

Bruce my ashi looks like it could easily date from the 1800's but that is based solely on the simplicity of construction and patina. In any event I dont think it came from the 'top shelf'. Rob

Works nicely on a Samsung tablet. Love your work Brian! Rob