WW2 Japanese Type 95 Copper Hilted Army NCO's Sword, Sold

In good condition, a rare WW2 Japanese Type 95 Copper Hilted Army NCO's Sword.

One of the first 6000 Japanese type 95 swords / shin gunto, which were made with copper hilts. These swords had their tsuka / hilts secured by the sarute loop socket, which was quite weak / prone to failure. This one has an additional mekugi screw & nut similar to that used on the later aluminum hilt NCO gunto; it is likely original manufacture or maybe added during its service life to strengthen the hilt (it is unlikely to be post war, not least as it is brass and looks the part). This Type 95 has matching serial numbers (4735) to the blade and scabbard's / saya's kuchi-gane (mouth piece).

The 26 1/2 inch blade is in good condition save for a few very slight nicks to the cutting edge and period sharpening marks. Blade pretty firm in the hilt, just a small amount of movement. The tsuba and tsuka all very good for the age and service life. The saya / scabbard with a few dents and scrapes, plus some period paint, overall good considering. The sword sheathes and draws well, the locking pin mechanism works well.

Given what these swords went through, this is a well above average example of a very rare sword. Well priced at £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference V04 (0948). Further / full sized images available upon request.