Kiipu

Just a quick note that Variations 1 through 6 are in the order as they appear in the 1 to 160,000 range while Variations 7 to 9 are as they appear in the 200K & 300K range. So they are not 100% chronological in regards to dates. Variations 7 & 8 probably preceded Variation 6?

Explanation of the Type 95 Patterns Below is a link describing the eight (8) Patterns, which shows the macro variations with the sword inserted into the scabbard. Nagoya Type 95 Ver 3 Woohoo!, Post #24 For an info-graphic of the Patterns, see the post below. Questions about "late war", NCO swords, Post #37

Below is a list of the nine major variations of the Type 95 Military Sword. These variations are based upon changes in the blade, hilt, and scabbard. The variations are in order of appearance by supervising arsenal. Keep in mind that some variations were manufactured concurrently, for example variations 3 & 4, while other variations are unique to certain arsenals or companies. Variation #; Blade; Tsuka, Ito Pattern; Tsuba: Latch; Saya; Pattern # Kokura Arsenal & then later by Tōkyō 1st Arsenal (1 to 160,00 Serial Number Range) 1. Fullered; Copper, Asymmetrical; Brass, 11mm; Top; Metal, Plug; Pattern 1 (Suya). 2. Fullered; Aluminium, Asymmetrical; Brass, 9mm; Top; Metal, Drag; Pattern 2. 3. Fullered; Aluminium, Symmetrical; Brass, 9mm; Top; Metal, Drag; Pattern 2. 4. Fullered; Aluminium, Symmetrical; Steel; Top; Metal, Drag; Pattern 3. 5. Fullered; Aluminium, Symmetrical; Steel; Side; Metal, Drag; Pattern 4 (Seki). 6. Unfullered; Aluminium, Symmetrical; Steel; Top; Metal, Drag; Pattern 3 (Suya). Nagoya Arsenal (200,000 Serial Number Range) 4. Fullered; Aluminium, Symmetrical; Steel; Top; Metal, Drag; Pattern 3. 5. Fullered; Aluminium, Symmetrical; Steel; Side; Metal, Drag; Pattern 4. 7. Fullered; Wood; Steel; Side; Metal, Drag; Pattern 5. 8. Unfullered; Wood; Steel; Side; Metal, Drag; Pattern 5. Jinsen Arsenal (300,000 Serial Number Range) 9. Unfullered; Wood; Steel; Side; Wood, Chape; Pattern 6.

Actually, they show up as often as the 300,000 range. A little more about the observed serials on these variant Type 100s that I call the Jinsen Type 5. Arsenal Stamps.

These are not Type 95s but a variant Type 100 for officers unique to Jinsen Arsenal. They have a unique serial number stamped on the tang. Also, the order is reversed as regards introduction. Questions about "late war", NCO swords & Short Development History of Type 95 Gunto, Post #239

Not unusual here in the States, probably to keep the kids away from them. I have heard of rifles and swords being found in walls. One such example was a Type 44 Carbine with the folding bayonet cut off. Another common occurrence was to throw them out in the trash. Back in the 1950s, my father saved a Japanese rifle that was sticking out of the trash can. He asked the housewife who answered the door if he could have it and she said go ahead. She told him it was missing the bolt though.

Hint, with a Gold Membership, one will know who they are.

Typo is all. Date is March 1945.

For gendaitō 現代刀 collectors, I recommend the following two books for the reference library. They are definitely worth having. Sesko, Markus. Encyclopedia of Japanese Swords. Lulu Enterprises, Inc., 2014. 552 pages. This is a dictionary explaining all the Japanese sword terms. Sesko, Markus. Swordsmiths of Japan. Lulu, Inc., 2015. 1450 pages. A listing of over 20,000 Japanese swordsmiths. And finally, might as well download the free compendium from Sesko as well. Small Compendium

一、昭和一二年六月三〇日　同右講習辛業、土佐流手法焼刀土の塗り方を探究、うるおいを醸しだす刃紋の創作技術を開拓 Above is what I see, but could be wrong. For technical terms, I would recommend the following book by Markus Sesko. Sesko, Markus. Encyclopedia of Japanese Swords. Lulu Enterprises, Inc., 2014.

一、昭和二八年四月一日　岐阜県金属試験場のＸ託として、岐阜県下金属工業技術生の鍛造技術実習を指導 I am missing one of the characters so .... Yes, that is the same laboratory that is mentioned in the first post. The document only has an historical outline and does not list former staff. It appears Kanehide was an instructor there.

See below for more information about the encircled 造 stamp. Identification help

Made in Indonesia for the Japanese and/or local forces. Not a fake or a reproduction. Nice catch if you are a militaria collector.

A little missive of mine from early 2023. Kanehide Gendaito Rinji questions

I think the characters are a bit stylized and the last one is hard to see. I do think that what you have is correct though. 第３２００２０号 = No. 320020. Maybe a second opinion is in order. @SteveM

Actually, kōgyō 工業 translates as industry. However, the Seki guild blue labels with English text have it as manufacturers'. The question then boils down to what translation do you want to use, the Seki blue label or the kanji dictionary translation. Whatever translation you decide to use is fine by me. 関刃物工業組合 Seki Hamono Kōgyō Kumiai See also Seki Inspection Tag On Combat Saya.

Maybe a registered utility model number?

The initial Type 100s, those made traditionally, were not sold by the arsenals directly but merely inspected. See the quote below by the late Nick Komiya. Deflating another Myth

Not common on either army or navy steel crossguards but have seen one or two? Below is a link to a possible marker's mark on a Type 97. Kai Gunto Naval Sword A little more common are guild or arsenal inspection marks. Below is an example of a guild marking on a Type 100 crossguard. Type 44 Katana + Information request The most common markings on steel crossguards are subassembly numbers.

This is the lowest so far with a マ prefix, prior to that they just used Arabic numerals.

Do not recall seeing this before either. Possibly a Japanese katakana NA with an Arabic 8? ナ８ = Katakana NA 8.

I had to look that one up! 瓢箪 = hyotan The Gourd Canteen See also the story "Tengu no Hyōtan 天狗の瓢箪 The Tengu's Gourd." A little homework assignment for those that just gotta know what I am talking about! Another indicator of an early souvenir blade is that the bottom of the tang is finished versus cutoff. And finally, thank you for the additional pictures Rebecca. We track these souvenir blades by the subassembly number. If you look carefully at the tang, you will see the following two characters have been painted over the older number. As you can see, the parts on your sword match this number. I zoomed in on one of your pictures and also saw 40 stamped on the crossguard. 四〇 = 40.

Agree, 40 is the souvenir subassembly number. See the picture of the seppa (washer) above. 四〇 = 40.

Hi Rebecca, the various small parts will have a one or two digit number stamped or written on them. For example, the tsuba (crossguard) will have this number. Take a picture of this number and post it. This number will match to one of the combination of numbers painted on the nakago (tang) of your sword. When time permits, below is a link to an article about postwar souvenir swords that will answer most of your questions. The Mysterious Naval Landing Forces Sword And finally, many thanks for sharing pictures of your sword.

Cross-reference to the same sword. ☆ 長州住清次　Chōshū-ju Kiyotsugu. 昭和十九年三月日　A day in March 1944. Japanese WWll NLF officer's sword in type 44 mounting "Kiyotsugu", star stamp