Scogg

I agree about the kissaki, and I'm inclined to believe it's a fake... Although, fakes this good are concerning! Something to consider about 95 blade geometry is that there are reports that some Type32 blades were converted for 95 use. Allegedly they were reshaped and reformed to closer mimic the 95 specs. I have personally never seen an example of this - and I don't think this sword is one. But my point is: judging on blade geometry alone can be tricky. This "brass tsuka" sword is one of those potential fakes that I'd really like to see in-hand. Cheers, -Sam

Thanks Brian. Here's some more photos for those who cannot open the link Cheers, -Sam

I'm a little confused. This does not appear to be a nihonto. Looks like a modern made sword with some kind of wire brush or etched hamon. I'm not convinced its Japanese at all... Am I missing something? -Sam

Hi John, I can't speak to the layering, construction, or mei. But, in my opinion, this is a good example of what not to look for in NANAKO. And it was the first thing I noticed. Quality nanako will look almost impossibly precise, and be evenly applied. Whereas the tsuba in your photo looks like the nanako dots are randomly scattered without any pattern. Image of shakudo nanako fuchi from my collection. All the best, -Sam

All things considered, you've got the most trusted experts available giving their attributions (new and old!); and any perceived "gray" area opens the door for further study on your end. Which I, personally, would consider an exciting and enjoyable exercise to learn from; even if you conclude "the experts got it". Stunning piece!

Thanks Dee, and Bruce! This one will have an interesting "notes" section in my list . Cheers, -Sam

That's good to know, thank you! If you still have your decayed grandpas hanger, I'd love to see this new one, and that old one side-by-side when you get it. Maybe you'll be able to spot inconsistencies, or confirm that they're the same. Cheers, -Sam

Hi Dee, I see more red flags than green lights.. Im not familiar with the leather hangers, but the chain hanger that I have is brass that’s plated. So no rust on the metal components. It appears some red rust is bubbling up from under the plating on your photos. But maybe it’s just the lighting? Maybe they used other materials? I am not sure. @PNSSHOGUN is someone who’s familiar with these, I think. Hopefully he weighs in. Best of luck, -Sam

Really gorgeous sword, Chandler. I enjoyed handling it quite a bit, and got to thinking after the show, I think it’s the oldest sword that I’ve ever held! I didn’t have the chance to really dive into identifying hataraki, but the dramatic sugata, the ko-kissaki, and the general refinement of the hamon and hada was enjoyable to admire. Your sword really stood out amongst the others at the show as something special. All in all, what’s not to like? Well done! -Sam

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