Japanese NCO sword

[Alex W]

Hello everyone

I finally purchased my first Japanese sword, a matching Tokyo First NCO sword. I still would like a traditional shin gunto but at this point in time my budget doesn't allow it. This was purchased through a reputable dealer but I still would like to double check its all good. The saya has been repainted at some time - does it look period or post war? The blade is pretty close to perfect but unfortunately a lot of the paint on the tsuka is gone. Happy to provide further photos if required. Thanks for any comments.

Alex

[MAP]

Looks like a very nice matching representative example. Congratulations!

I can not opine on the paint. Maybe others can.

Michael

[SteveR]

Looks a good later model to me.

[Bruce Pennington]

Alex,
You have a nice Type 95, variant 2, NCO gunto! I am surprised at the "low' serial number for this variant, but the more I study these swords the more I learn that our assumptions about them are wrong and need updating.

The contractor stamp on the left was called "unknown" by Ohmura ,‘¢•º±‚Ì•WŽ¯ An Arsenal trademark and inspection mark, but I have recently seen someone post one stamped like this and they knew the contractor's name. I will update if I can find it.

[Tank Destroyer]

Nice sword and like the wearing of the gloves.
Marty

[Stu W]

Looks good to me although with respect to our fellow member posting above I believe it to be a 2A rather than a 2.

Regards,
Stu

[Alex W]

Thanks for the reply gents, If i come across a knot for the right price I might add it on. I've always been a stickler for the gloves once I've Ren Waxed an item. Friends and family still think its weird that I wont let them touch my militaria without gloves on.

I know it's not a traditional sword but if i were to display it what would be the correct procedure? Tuska to the left, blade edge up, in or out of saya?

Stu - Just want to say a big thank you for your NCO sword information sticky, without that I probably wouldn't have had the confidence to buy one.

Alex

[Bruce Pennington]

Looks good to me although with respect to our fellow member posting above I believe it to be a 2A rather than a 2.

Regards,
Stu

Thanks Stu! I often open my mouth before openning my reference books!!! Still learning!

[Gunto]

Looks good and the paint too. Dont think its repainted.