Copper Nco Out There To Examine

[zook]

Hi everyone -  

Some of you have probably already noticed the Copper NCO for sale at a popular electronic website named after a partially enclosed body of water.   It captures my attention for discussion and learning because it looks like a good sword in may regards, but what throws me off is the iron (1)  Tsuba (I thought they were all brass on these variants, but am easily wrong) … and (2) the drag on the scabbard (but I assume it is mis-matched), and to be fair the seller isn't claiming they are matching serial #, so …. .   

 

Hoping to get opinions of Steve and others, just to broaden my education!   Dan 

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-COPPER-HANDLE-WW2-Japanese-NCO-OFFICERS-SWORD-WITH-SCABBARD/401718269400?hash=item5d884655d8:g:eCIAAOSwBsxceACl:rk:1:pf:0

[Bruce Pennington]

Dan,

 

You're right about the saya, it's mis-matched. The handles are copper, not brass, and this one looks good. The blade has no inspector stamp, but it's seems I've come across that before, and as no one really knows the final serial number of the last copper handled 95 made, this one must be pretty darn close, so would be a great collector item.

 

Waiting for Steve or Stegel or Stu's thoughts.

[BANGBANGSAN]

The Iron tsuba could be war time replacement,I've seen the copper handle NCO with iron tsuba has Ser# in the 3000s.

It's easiet to judge if it's REAL copper handle NCO by check and see if the tang has one or two hole for this 6507 balde.

[paul griff]

Hello,

Interesting sword..Would be nice to see what is stamped on the blade half hidden beneath the Habaki ( picture eight on the site it is advertised on )...The offset seppa seem very well made especially with that cutout for the safety latch....!

Regards,

Paul..

[Shamsy]

I think I remember this one from an auction house. Real copper of course, but the tsuba... Tut tut. Even if it was a replacement, it is not correctly in line with the couple of genuine examples I've seen. It is too thin. I've seen a lot of bitsers from this seller. This is one. Save your money.

[Bruce Pennington]

I think I remember this one from an auction house. Real copper of course, but the tsuba... Tut tut. Even if it was a replacement, it is not correctly in line with the couple of genuine examples I've seen. It is too thin. I've seen a lot of bitsers from this seller. This is one. Save your money.

Steve, just curious- have you seen a higher serial number than this?

[Shamsy]

Hi Bruce. I have seen a couple over 6500,not many. As the 1st pattern of aluminium handle variants start in the 7k range, my guess is that the coppers went slightly over 6500,maybe to 6600. I've never seen a hilt off though, but I firmly believe they're genuinely coppers over 6500.

 

I had a photo on my phone over 6500. Damned if I can find it...

[Shamsy]

Oh, here's where the copper was bought before listing on eBay. Guess the sellers claim of estates is not 100% accurate. I've shared my bad stories about them before (good seller, bad product).

 

https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/Japanese-katana-shin-gunto-blade-28-l-overall-b154e76a2e