Real sword or Chinese fake?

**NickCT** · 06-23-2013, 04:06 PM

Hey guys,
I came across an estate sale this morning and this sword was on a table inside. I didn't pay much for it at all, the woman that was there didn't know much about its history, and there are a few red flags for me like the characters on the sword. The number and characters are all etched onto the blade, but it was the Kokura Armory symbol that made me take it. Maybe it's me but I haven't come across any of the fakes that had that on there. Either way, I didn't pay much so if it turns out to be a Chinese knock off I won't feel terrible about it! Here's some pics - thanks boys!

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**octavian** · 06-23-2013, 04:30 PM

appears more as a novelty item. porosity in the metal is pretty high. looks rather crude to me.

**Alan M** · 06-23-2013, 05:40 PM

Sorry Nick , it's purporting to be a IJA Type 95 NCO sword but i'm afraid it's a chinese version !

**Stu W** · 06-23-2013, 07:03 PM

Hi Nick,

It's as bad here as it is over on WAF. Have a look at the pinned thread on Type 95 at the top of this sub forum for some insights into what authentic NCO swords should look like.

Regards,
Stu

**BOB COLEMAN** · 06-24-2013, 02:00 AM

The garbage engraing on the blade is a dead give away. This is the first example I have seen with a date on the blade(15th year of Showa)1940. They must be looking for new ways to impress the uneducated.