Alex, looks like a genuine Type 98 (probably not Type 94) officers sword with leather combat cover and nice pierced tsuba. More pics of tsuba/seppa/chuso button would be good. I'm not sure about the missing screw in the 'metal' saya (scabbard) you can see in the first picture. Many saya with covers are wooden but this may be a metal 'IJA regulation' saya but not sure if this was meant to hold a Koiguchi and its missing ??? Need more pics from different angles (pls). Stephen's point above is a good one. Just save the pictures to your 'gallery' and then use your draw/crop feature to remove the black top/bottom and then post the edited pics. Most phones have these features. Look for to clear pics of the blade and both sides of the nakago and pls orient pics so the end of the nakago is facing down as you look at it.

Well said Chris.

For posterity...

HI Bruce, It really would be good to see more clear pics of the tsuka, saya, kissaki and tsuba/seppa set-up (from an angle). I know that's probably not possible which is a shame because it allows for increased speculation and less real observation/comment. I am really no expert in comparison to others mentioned and bohi on 95's have always confused me somewhat but I would not buy it. I really dont like the position and newish 'scratchiness' of the blade stamp...or the crispness and spacing of the blade number (is that number too low?). Also dont like the fuchi stamps or the fuchi itself for that matter. The tsuka screw does look good...but on what can be seen so far, I would still leave it in the shop.

Hello Ryan, No comment on what I can see of the wakizashi. Probably a lot more to say on the katana. IMO the fittings are not good. Who would rebind the tsuka and leave the same in that condition. The tsuba just dosnt look genuine, nor does the kabutogane/sarute. I'm sorry but I can't say anything nice about any of the fittings. From the couple of pics the blade may be a different story but you will need to post clearer pics of the actual blade and kissaki (tip) to assist others.

Spot on Bruce. It's a Type 30 Arisaka bayonet frog. By the look of the wear on the buckle strap, it has been on the ashi ring for a while. One in slightly better condition in second pic.

John it would a very rare thing to find makers/owners marks on 95 inserts. I would venture to say it just didn't happen, unlike the odd 94/97/98's insert. The damage appears to have been caused by salt water immersion and if that is correct, my guess is that the soft timber inserts will be in pieces ..... at best.

Sure do Stephen ...here are a couple.

Well I like what Stephen said (above all other posts). Martin, you asked can this be saved......well hell yeah! Ok, it might have come from the bottom of Yokohama Harbour but, I believe it's a genuine Type 95, aluminium tsuka and probably iron tsuba [maybe earlier brass tsuba?]. The numbers are correct and at the end of the day the Chinese...not even the Indians (not the wild west kind) would put out such an item. And it's unlikely a chinese repro would find itself in this predicament. What's its story? It must have one. As far as I am concerned, this is a piece of history, regardless of condition. Yes, its not near a valuable as a 'normally used' 95 but it has had a life and it should still have a life from now on. In this case its about WW2 history and memorabilia, its not about nihonto. Please don't try and "do it up" or replace parts. It's just not worth it but more importantly, you would be destroying the soul of this sword. It is what it is, so preserve it by all means but , don't try to refurbish it. I would be happy to own it. Rob

Nice blade Ron.... I have one of those......its odd ........I have a number of 'clasped hand' sarutes and often wondered about this one ...back to topic.

Ok, got it Piers. But I liked the accompanying symbolism of herons all the same. Nice. What did herons symbolize in Japanese art? In Japanese culture, herons are valued for being birds who can move across three elements, making them divine creatures. They are most prevalent in woodblock prints, drawing upon the “kacho-e” technique.

I'm working on Japanese Heron but I'll get back to you.

Beak looks too long for Cormorant ....working on it.

Looks good to me.

Another separate sarute barrel from a Type 94 for posterity (NMB photo)

94's usually have a separate/stand alone sarute barrel and can have a pinned kabutogane

ecurB oot em ot desrever skooL

Dan Sofe Auction appears to be a serial offender. The pic of the fake copper below (blade #14458) was 'challenged' on a number of points earlier this year. Its on our Fake 95 thread. SOFE's response was .... Hello Rob, We have consulted several specialist in the field and they all confirmed the sword was authentic. Best regards

I like the little one, she is cute.

Hello Jeremy, I have only sent a 95 Saya to the US with no probs. Have also received a few from US without any issue and two labelled "Barbeque Cutlery". You could consider 'breaking' the sword down so as to reduce the overall length and then just send via AustPost Just pack it securely and that's easy these days with hard cylinders and bubble wrap (keep it tight!) I have received one from Japan, disassembled, because of a similar issue but it was longer than your average bear. Well packaged, all good. Rob

Welcome Ben...I can feel your excitement.

Grey's got it ....the only variation I use is to simply lay the blade (with habaki) on a thick towel(s) and use wood and a small hammer, we call them 'tack' hammers. So no need to clamp. I find that very small but sharp hits, loosen everything I have had to deal with. Basically using the weight of the blade itself as the resistance.

I will put my larger UV torch on the list to bring over next trip. If mystery is not solved by then (don't make it too fast...I'm enjoying this!)

John I really have no idea but would ultraviolet yield anything else?