Just Starting Out And Have A Shin Gunto Question

[kotkinjs1]

Hi all, first post here. I'd like to add to my small Japanese collection - mostly WW2 small arms at this point but I do have a Type 32 and a beautiful framed large yosegaki hinomaru - and I'd like to get my first Type 95 sword. I'm looking at this one, seems to be a decent aluminum handled middle type shin gunto. Does the Ījima Tōken Seisakusho trade stamp look correct? How about the SN? I'd be interested to hear the expert opinion here. Thank you!

[Bruce Pennington]

It would be good to hear from Steve (Shamsy) on this, but I don't like it. I'm posting my example of the Ijima stamp. I don't like the Tokyo inspector stamps either. The serial number looks like it was intentionally scatched to obscure it, and the metal imperfections in the fuller groove look like poor metalwork. I don't like the detail on the handle either.

 

But, there were quite a bit of variation over the years on these, so I could be wrong. It would be nice to see pics of the blade tip and scabbard drag, as well as the other side of the handle retention screw.

 

Overall, my feel is that it is a pretty good "reproduction."

[kotkinjs1]

Hi Bruce, thanks for the reply. Here's more photos as requested.

-Jeremy

[dwmc]

Hi Jeremy,

 

Reproduction Type 95 makers have become very clever. Bruce has pointed out some areas which are cause for concern as to authenticity.

If possible, as Bruce suggested, I would hold off purchase until  (hopefully) others offer an opinion, particularly Shamsy.

[BANGBANGSAN]

looks real WW2 NCO sword to me,not fake.But,wtih the broken tip and rusty blade+scrach off ser #,I would say pass this one.There are many NCO sword out there has better condition,do not rush.

[Bruce Pennington]

Jeremy,

 

Thanks for the pics (the 3 of the handle are all of the same side! Oops!)

 

I don't know who the seller is, but there are a few out there that build a complete gunto out of pieces, and even manufacture parts when needed. This one strikes me that way. The blade looks like it was probably legit, but had terrible pitting/corrosion and was lately buffed/polished. The seppa (spacers) look legit but the fuchi collar with stamps looks new and badly stamped. The top end (what I can see) of the scabbard looks good, but the drag looks too big for a Kokura/Tokyo make. The tip of the fuller-groove is close to correct, but the top-end by the serial number is too sloppy for a Kokura/Tokyo blade.

And the serial number looks intentionally damaged.

 

It's just a mess. If you're just really set on getting it, I wouldn't pay market rates.

[kotkinjs1]

Thanks all for your help. Getting into nihontos is a bit daunting with the fake market being what it is. Even if this one is legit or a parts sword, I might pass if there are no other comments/concerns. I'm still learning what "market rates" are anyway.

[zook]

Thanks for sharing! ... in my humble opinion, if you don't plan to get many swords, get one (or a few) that are solid examples!   The edged up serial numbers are a real detractor in my book.  Dan 

[Shamsy]

All genuine, but not an example you want to start your collection with. There are plenty of great examples available and eBay is not a bargain shopping destination. A lot of dealers list $800 example which are in good condition.

[kotkinjs1]

Thanks all. I'll continue the search for a better first example!

[Bruce Pennington]

All genuine, but not an example you want to start your collection with. There are plenty of great examples available and eBay is not a bargain shopping destination. A lot of dealers list $800 example which are in good condition.

Steve,

 

Thanks for clearing all that up. I still wonder, though, about that Ijima "stamp". It looks more like someone carved it with a pocketknife! I'm posting a side-by-side with one of my Ijima stamps. This one is just horrific. I'll admit the Kokura stamp looks normal, so it doesn't make sense that the Ijima stamp was "faked" on a legit 95 fuchi. I just can't get over that ugly image.

 

Update: After another close look. It's possible the stamp was struck twice - one with an upward angle, and the second with a downward angle. The "D" on the left has a top with no bottom, and the one of the right has a bottom with no top. Also, the bottom of the "circle" is doubled.

 

This is still one Moogly (Muey Ugly) gunto. Who ever made it was sick or hung-over.