robinalexander

Well it's a rare thing that I 'award' a Downvote, but on this occassion it is well deserved.

Yep ...thought about it and a repro couldn't really be minty so gave that a miss.

I'm seeing red lights as well. Can't even imagine there be many straps around in this condition albeit wi5h poor quality fittings. I'd pass.

Yep...new/repro.

I reckon John is right about this ....So often wondered the same thing and I just wouldn't buy one unless it had credible provenance. Its funny, whenever these appear at auction, and three did the other day in Oz, the dirty ragged one always goes for a bucket load more than ones like the above.....but ones like the above still sell I look at the seemingly never ending supply of these on the market and wonder when a pic of a 'goodluck flag' shop in China will emerge. If you do buy it Marsel, send it to me for a couple of weeks....I'm sure I will be able to make it look 'a lot better', and that will certainly increase its value. No disrespect intended

Steve when you say this, do you mean sideways rather than length ways? If so, a 'fold' of paper/light cardboard inserted into the Tsuka (with Mekugi ana) will tighten it up. Just play with paper prototypes to get exact shape/length before deciding on thickness. I had a civilian Wak the came back from New Guinea with 'the local paper of the day' (1945?) inserted to tighten things up. I have always believed that where there is a fair amount of 'sideways slop' in a Tsuka, it is more often due to a replacement Tsuka rather than any shrinkage ... but that is only my belief. Your fittings appear to be nicely matched if not original. If it's a Mekugi peg the they are easily made and 'aged' to match ....as Eric indicated, yours is probably not the original....they are a replaceable item. PS ..I also cannot stand a 'wobbly Tsuka'

Quick look seems ok BUT I'd like to see a better picture of the Fuchi stamps. and .... someone might be able to enlighten me on what is going on with the Kissaki, Yokote and the shape of the end of the Bohi? Just haven't seen all that going on, on a 95 before so, at this point, that's a red flag for me. Tyler I know you didn't ask for comment on the price but it was included above, soooo .... that's expensive!

Yep, I think John has it Freddie.

Hi Freddie, I note you added one picture to your OP however if you really want some meaningful info, advice etc then you need to post a lot more clear closeups and overall shots of the blade, tip (kissaki), tang (where signature is) and the fittings e.g. handle (tsuka) etc ....simply put, the more you post the better the information will be. Looks interesting to me though!

Some good Type 95 reading here too Eric https://www.warrelic...o-sword-info-228172/

PS ...don't pull it apart...not meant to be (only type 97's & 98's) ...and no point.

Nice one Eric ...looks good to me and I would buy it. It's one of the rarer side latches, congratulations. Have a look at this very good link

4 is my natural go to ...Jussi summed it up nicely for me

Ditto

Hello Mark, I think Bruce got it the first time in regard to the lacing. A close look at your pics seems to indicate the leather Tsuka cover is loosely laced up and I cant see why that could not be carefully undone which hopefully will expose at least one Mekugi peg in the lower half of the Tsuka. Then just a simply matter of gently knocking the Mekugi peg out (small end/side first!!!!) and then removing the Tsuka from the Nakago. IMO no need to remove the Sarute and barrel at this stage.....not at least until you have tried the above. If you need some direction re removing the Mekugi peg and Tsuka, just ask and I (or someone) will find the YouTube clip on that matter which will make it a whole lot more understandable. Rob PS .... here it is How to Remove Tsuka of Japanese Sword

Hi Justin, At a basic level, leather over wood just means the Gunto was fitted with a combat cover which I believe was required by Regulation (if the saya was not regulation metal). Many sword did not have a chuso button particularly those that were brought in from families or donated to officers. The blade is held in place by the pressure between the habaki and the wooden throat of the saya. Usually made for each other very common with these types of blades and also with Type 97 IJA mounts. The leather retaining clip was simply to ensure the blade did not fly out when it was not supposed to. Rob

Tks mate...Part 1 and 2 are going. Pls pass on my (and probably others) appreciation to your patient wife ... the silent support behind the author

@mecox Just fantastic Mal ... gosh there is some work and great information in these. Information aside, I dont know who does your type/formatting but what a great job.... congratulations on that aspect as well. It's coming to Victoria with me for the School hols - Grandkids minding duty (I will find time) Rob

Extraordinary Piers. The question came to mind, why would someone use this rarer 'language' if very few would ever read it? Particularly if it does happen to be a poem? Rob

Is this it Bruce ? @Bruce Pennington

Got to say that that collection looks very familiar to me. Sure some cringe moments but nice to view and would just love to work my way through that lot.

Hi Jason @Newsword1 , this is the possible Mon (crest) John was referring to.

Very interesting thanks Thomas.

Tks Brian...enlightened yet again.

Bruce @Bruce Pennington I'm a bit confused here. What's going on with the 'kanji' on the blade? Typically, non-Japanese? Other aspects worry me too.