Grimmdarkspire

Hi there @Stegel, who currently owns this 2nd from the top, “Prototype” or what seems to be a Bakelite-handled variant with the top latch? I’m curious about obtaining more pictures of it for my references. I haven’t seen this version in Fuller’s or Dawson’s books. But I’ve seen it throughout the years through a listing or two in 25 years, and here as well. Thank you.

Hi there all, I’m looking for a Type 95 NCO Gunto in the 30 - 150K blade serial range, black iron Tsuba in the 3. - 4MM size range, copper back latch, and copper Fuchi with preferably matching serial of the scabbard and blade, but honestly, it doesn’t need to match. Other stamped variants in the above configuration / specifications I’d be happy to consider: Gifu, Koban, or Suya. Price point I’m looking at: $ 500 - $1500. Thank you all in advance for reading my post, and I look forward to seeing possibilities and making new acquaintances. The below attached pics are not mine; they are pulled from this forum and Google Images of an example of what I’m searching for. Thank you.

Hey everyone, I’ve thoroughly reviewed the entire thread and a few others, but I couldn’t find any information about green handle type 95s. Initially, I thought only the Kobe company produced green handles, but now I’ve discovered they’re also available on others made by other manufacturers. Based on this, I assume all companies could produce green or brown handles, as well as various colors on the scabbards, as has been repeatedly mentioned in the scabbard discussions per regulations. I’ve also searched Jim Dawson’s and Richard Fuller’s books, but I couldn’t find any clear information on this topic. Can someone shed some light on this for me? I’ve been collecting these type 95s for 23 years, and I still don’t know the answer. I know someone here has it. Thanks for all your time and attention!

Here is another item for discussion in this forum. This item is currently listed on the Live auctioneers page. The question still lingers in my mind: if these were souvenirs sold at the PX after the war in Japan? On some of them, it is challenging to believe that they were merely souvenirs. https://www.liveauct...-sword-w-signed-tang

Did this ever sell? If not I’ll take it.

They’re not the same seller. My personal experiences with them are as follows: For the past 23 years, I have been acquainted with Showa22. While I have always maintained a cordial relationship with him, I must acknowledge that his information is not always accurate or reliable. He often presents misleading information, despite his generally good intentions. In my experience, Jewlery&Coin has consistently been challenging to engage with, communicate about products, or inquire about. Additionally, Jewlery&Coin has consistently been priced substantially above the fair market value of the products they sell.

I really appreciate you sharing this information; it's been very helpful. I've noticed that the Tsuka on my item is deteriorating rapidly since I purchased it, and I'm concerned about its previous storage conditions. Additionally, both screws in the Tsuka handle are broken. Could you offer any advice on where I might get the Tsuka restored? Also, do you know where I can find replacement Mekugi screws?

Thank you so much for your kindness. I was aware that it was a 'seki' stamp, but the 'clause 2' part had me puzzled. I really appreciate both of your immense help. Even after 23 years of learning about NCO Gunto, I'm still discovering new things, and 'clause 2' was one of them..

Haha you’re fine. And thank you for your thoughts, “clause 2” stamp? What is that? I’m sure I misunderstood.

I also have another to add to this research thread. Except mine doesn’t have any stamps anywhere. The patina and age seems to be appropriate for the time. And the Leather field cover has also fallen apart already.

Bruce, I also take the time to clean all of my Type 95 Guntos. While there may be differing views on the impact cleaning has on their historical value, I hold a personal perspective that justifies my action. I would really appreciate your help in identifying a stamp on my Type 95 variation #5. It seems to be stamped with 'SEKI', but I'm not entirely sure. Additionally, I've noticed that the stamp on the back of the NAKAGO looks different, which I find quite odd. Could you share your thoughts on this?

Hello all! Update* It's taken some time for Richard Fuller to look over this piece and finding more information it, but he has finally AUTHENTICATED this and is issuing documentation on it as an authentic and GENUINE item. This is what Richard Fuller claims, "This was issued by the Imperial Palace directly." Hence the Kamon stampings that are unique to this type. Also* after having a Jeweler inspect the piece; we have found the metal parts have been covered with a thick gold plating increasing the value substantially, the gold plating is why the coloration of the mountings has been different for some eyes. Thank you all for sharing your inspection details and for taking the time to comment. I'm grateful this has been authenticated and documentation is being issued, and especially, that I didn't give up early on. Thank you again.

Thank you all for your help. I appreciate your thoughts and professional inspections. I've been doing this for 14 years now and I've seen many like this one. I even had a fellow colleague recently compare it to his and the mountings matched, however the blade on his was an ancestral blade which was the only difference we could really see. So I have to assume the mountings are at least real. However, I've have had many give me differing opinions like yourselves and I'm grateful for your time and expertise. My last effort now is having Richard Fuller take a look at it today. He's written the books Military Swords of Japan 1868-1945 and Japanese Military and Civil Swords and Dirks. I'll be grateful for one more opinion. Thank you all for your help.

I looked over mine again and again and it's detail is on part with yours, extremely fine quality. The difference I saw was mine has the blossom peg that Oyabun has in his above as well as the slightly pulled apart fittings where yours are closed more.

Malcolm, I did place a Magnent on the blade, it didn't react. I've also studied over Richard Fuller's books, compared to fellow colleague's variations of this and they have also confirmed it's genuine with a full tang machine blade. All the research sites I've got in my pocket this matches, the majority of the other Colonel Flag Navy Kyu guntos I've seen are different in shell grips, pegs in the handle, knots and even blades. But there is a verity of them out there.

Hello all, I'm looking for assistance on authenticating this KYU GUNTO I picked up. I'm looking find if A) It's Genuine B) It's value C) How to take off the handle. I've attempted several times to remove the handle but I have been unsuccessful. I've done research online, spoken to other experts and even read the book Military Swords of Japan 1868-1945by Richard Fuller and Ron Gregory. So far, from my research I've found it's a genuine machine made blade and Toyotomi Hideyoshi Kyu gunto Mountings. Please help me understand more about my sword. Thank you in advance.