Scogg

Here ya go. Unfortunately no photo of whole sugata or closeups of nakago Not my photos or listing - just sharing for posterity

Much appreciated, Conway! Sounds like I can get it for a good deal, and at those prices, I might just keep it for myself as an interesting and cool example! If I acquire it, I'll share some photos. Thanks again, Cheers, -Sam

Good question. I've been working on wrapping my head around the timeline of manufacture on these. Believe me, it's no easy task! It's still not entirely clear to me, but I'm getting there. The Tōkyō First Army Arsenal trademark stamp (Star with a bullseye inside), began use in 1940 and was used until 1945, presumably when Tokyo was heavily air raided. Your sword and serial number is near the tail end of my "Tokyo Star stamps" recorded. So, I presume your sword was made between 1940 and 1945, and likely toward the latter. That's about as precise as I can comfortably get, and others might know more. Best of luck, -Sam

I contacted the seller, and going to meet him at one of the upcoming local shows. Earliest I’ll be able to get it, IF I can, will be end of February, or early March. Any idea, even roughly, what something like this might be worth? @Conway S or anyone? Full transparency: I’d like to get it for a fair price, enjoy it for a time, and sell it to someone who focuses more on these swords who might fully appreciate it. It’s for sale for near standard parade saber prices… Cheers, -Sam

I was only able to attend on Saturday, but I had a great time! I really enjoyed admiring @nulldevice's sword, that was probably a highlight for me. Really stunning. Another would be Brian T's and Woody Halls presentation. Both were really eye opening and interesting, and I appreciate their efforts and time a lot. The rest of the show was a good time, and was amazing to see the variety of items in two MASSIVE rooms. I unfortunately missed the bag of swords! While hunting around I only found ONE type 95 to add to my cataloging, and it was a late war wood handle. I thought it was interesting how few there were... Cheers, -Sam

I find it entertaining to see how AI decided to rank things. I agree with @Natichu that Caravaggio to Muramasa comparison is a good one! I think Masamune and Go Yoshihiro being likened to DaVinci and Michelangelo respectively is an interesting thought. Not that I’ve ever seen a Go Yoshihiro sword or a Masamune, but I am surprised to see ai pick up on Go Yoshihiro’s notoriety over Masamune’s fame. Michelangelo is sometimes considered superior to DaVinci, which I personally agree with. But DaVinci was much more inventive. Anyway, no points to be made just some musings. -Sam Photo I took of a shield that Caravaggio painted on display in Florence Italy

Hi John, Very nice looking NCO Type 95! According to the records that I've collected; this stamp configuration, Patter 3 type, and Copper Fuchi seems to be the standard for Suya production swords around these serial numbers. So not a transitional style I would say; Just the Suya Shoten Co. continuing the use of copper fuchi. I hope this helps, Cheers, -Sam EDIT: Interestingly, some blades with these stamps, and around this serial number are without a fuller. Can we see a photo of the blade?

I’m going to try to get ahold of the seller. I’ll let you know if I end up acquiring it. I know he’ll be at another show in about a month, but I am hoping I can make him an offer sooner. Thank you Conway! Cheers, -Sam

Has anyone ever encountered one of these “E & F. Hörster Type 19 Army Field Grade Kyu-gunto”? I think I found one locally, and considered buying it, but it looked so unfamiliar with that straight blade and double bohi. It appeared chrome plated. Been regretting not picking it up. I might try to find it again, if it’s still available. Cheers, Sam Page 32 from: Swords of imperial Japan 1868-1945 Cyclopedia Edition by Jim Dawson

I’ve been intrigued by these swords too, the one I’ve encountered was pretty sturdy and cool. I am surprised I’m the first to chime in, but you might get more traction in the military swords of Japan section. While I continue cataloging Type 95s, I’ll keep an eye out for you Cheers, -Sam

Safe travels everyone. Looking forward to seeing some of y’all tomorrow I hear there might be some demonstrations going on, that I’m looking forward to seeing. Cheers! -Sam

So I’m not an expert, but I very recently have been cataloging these. I have several swords on file with the same pattern, and stamp configuration. The ‘Iijima Sword Factory stamp’ and the ‘Kokura 4 cannonball stamp’ seem to be intermixed with swords that have @John C ‘s stamp configuration with the ‘Tokyo First Arsenal’s Star’ instead of the kokura cannonballs. One of the swords in particular, a very near serial number, is listed as having a “copper plated alloy Fuchi”, which is an anomaly on my list. Can you confirm or deny what the Fuchi might be made out of, and if it looks plated? Edit: my apologies, I see now that it’s a for sale listing and not in hand. I think it looks real, but I’d like more opinions too. Cheers, -Sam

Tsuba = Guard Seppa = "Washers" that go on both sides of the tsuba. Tsuka = Grip / handle. Fuchi =the cap at the end of the handle where it meets the Tsuba(guard) Kabutogane = Metal fitting at butt of the grip. Called a kashira on katana fittings, and on my source below. And if you have any further questions, below is my source: Hope this helps! Cheers, -Sam https://nihonto.com/about-swords/diagrams-terminology/#:~:text=Fuchi – The cap at the,secure the scabbard when drawn.

Thank you Conway, those are new to me! Thank you too, @Bruce Pennington, but I’ve got that one. It’s one of the more informative threads though, and full of great info and images. I have a lot of reading to do! Have you done any cataloging of 95s, like you do with other gunto? Cheers, -Sam

Perhaps a cloud, or a leaf like the motif on the bottom? I think a bird is a good guess too. The swirly zougan work reminds me of a piece I have. Also in poor shape, unless you catch the light just right (see below). Also mystery origin, but I figure mine is not particularly nice. I like it though, and I like yours! Cheers, -Sam

Hi Tom, that's very generous of you! I'd love to take you up on that. I live a bit north, in a suburb of the dreaded Portland Metro area. Coincidentally, soon I am hoping to visit another collector (also named Tom ) in Roseburg! Maybe I can combine my trip/visits. I'll reach out if and when I plan on making that drive, and coordinate with you . (hopefully Feb or March) Thanks again! Cheers, -Sam

Reviving this thread from the dead. I did my best to collaborate all the relevant links already shared, and hope it helps anyone who might be reading along. I'm diving into the study of type 95s, and have collected these links. I also have the Fuller & Gregory books, and Dawsons Cyclopedia. @BANGBANGSAN @Kiipu @Bruce Pennington tagging ya'll incase you have any recommendations. Am I missing any critical publications, links, downloads, or information not already included in this thread? How did members like @Shamsy know which serial numbers related to manufacture years? Thanks for reading, Cheers, -Sam Types/general: http://ohmura-study.net/957.html Blade: http://ohmura-study.net/791.html Tsuka: http://ohmura-study.net/792.html Saya: http://ohmura-study.net/793.html Stamps: http://ohmura-study.net/794.html 1 Copper example: https://www.guntoartswords.com/010737.html Page one: https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/31314-Japanese-type-95-sword-for-ncos/#comment-320720 https://www.warrelic...ype-95-gunto-676112/ https://www.warrelic...o-sword-info-228172/ Tassels: https://www.warrelic...-788442/#post2154241 https://www.jacar.ar...mage-en/C01005289200 https://www.jacar.ar...mage-en/C01005222500

Let's not allow this to get into the negativity realm. You should collect Tsuba, if it interests you. But you are correct, it is a difficult hobby, and the learning curve will be steep. You could always try getting an affordable (to you) tsuba, and see how it interests you in-hand, and then decide after that. While apples and oranges are both fruits.. Apples are to oranges, what an old government stamp is to an antique oil painting. To each their own, my friend. Godspeed, -Sam

Stunning, Steve! A blade worthy of such koshirae should probably live in shirasaya anyway. Maybe the best course of action is leaving the koshirae as-is, and getting a tachi in shirasaya to display alongside it. Just an idea, Cheers, -Sam

If we're still in the Hamon, and prior to nie and nioi identification... Next, do we look at boshi? Fully prepared to be wrong , -Sam

Thanks for the serial# info, Bruce. That's interesting! It's a shame @Shamsy and others are no longer active. Are there currently any leading experts on NCO 95s? I've been reading a lot about 95s, and hope to become pretty knowledgeable (after a few years maybe). Sorry Eric! Very cool side latch, and very hard to find! One of those models I keep an eye out for. Cheers, -Sam

Is the last sword photo in that thread, the wooden handle on page 3, a genuine example? I have never seen an NCO in the 300k serial number range. I had previously thought they only went up to ~200k+ Cheers, -Sam

Hi Jacob, I would argue that you're comparing apples and oranges here. Tsuba are considered handmade crafts, and works of art. Whereas coins and stamps are mass produced by the govt, turned collectibles. If each individual coin/stamp was designed by an artist and then hammered/cut out by-hand, you would see similar issues amongst coins/stamps. All in all, I would encourage you to collect whatever you like! In my experience, nothing worth doing is easy. And best of luck on your collection journey -Sam

I'll be there! I'll likely spend a majority of my time at the show on Saturday. I am not sure if I will make it on Friday (flying in that afternoon). I'll be traveling with my wife. I'm going for swords, she's going for the Vegas restaurants; not yet sure which will cost us more Looking forward to seeing you Adam, and any other forum members who may be in attendance. I'd love to hear about your Chikafusa! Cheers, -Sam

Can we see the torokusho from Showa 16? Maybe a typo or mis-translation as Showa 26 would be 1951? Here's an interesting write-up detailing post-war sword production: https://www.Japanese...ndex.com/history.htm All the best, -Sam