Japanese, WW2, Imperial Army Type 95 NCO Shin Guntō Sword, Original Belt and Scabbard, Matching Nos. 104936, Suya Shōten / Kokura Arsenal, with Field Suspension Rig

*Japanese, WW2, Imperial Army Type 95 NCO Shin Guntō Sword, Original Belt and Scabbard, Matching Nos. 104936, Suya Shōten / Kokura Arsenal, with Field Suspension Rig*

A highly attractive and original Imperial Japanese Army Type 95 Shin Guntō Non-Commissioned Officer’s sword retaining matching serial numbers, original steel scabbard and accompanying field suspension rig. This is a desirable mid-war example showing honest service wear together with strong untouched character, excellent matching components and clear arsenal markings identifying Tokyo-supervised wartime production.

The machine-made blade remains in very good condition with a bright finish and well-defined fuller extending along the blade. Serial number 104936 is stamped to the blade and repeated on the scabbard throat, confirming the pair remain matching and have stayed together since military service. The blade displays only light age and handling marks with a pleasing polish overall. The tang has not been removed or examined.

The cast aluminium hilt retains much of its original brown painted finish intended to imitate traditional silk wrapping over rayskin. The moulded detail remains particularly crisp, with good surviving definition to the simulated ito wrap and faux same pattern beneath. The original iron locking catch remains present together with its suspension loop. The hilt fittings display attractive untouched age wear and patination.

The hilt collar carries a complete group of contractor and arsenal markings identifying wartime production. The left mark is the Suya Shōten contractor trademark, a double-ring cartouche containing the firm's stylised internal monogram. Beside this is the Tokyo First Army Arsenal inspection mark (東 / To) and the well-known Kokura Arsenal stacked cannonball emblem, identifying production under Tokyo-administered wartime supervision. This combination is encountered on authentic Type 95 wartime manufacture and places the sword within desirable mid-war production.

The steel scabbard retains matching serial number 104936 and survives with traces of its original olive-drab green painted finish visible beneath an even oxidised surface patina acquired through age and field use. The drag and suspension fitting remain intact.

Accompanying the sword is a canvas and leather field suspension rig allowing attachment to a standard combat belt. The hanger consists of wide woven webbing with leather strengthening sections and steel fittings and remains a particularly attractive addition, giving the sword strong display presence and preserving the combat character of the set.

Approx. Measurements – Blade length: 70 cm. Overall length: 92.3 cm. Field suspension belt length: 86.5 cm. Belt width: 7 cm.

History Note:
The Type 95 Shin Guntō was introduced in 1935 as the regulation sword for Imperial Japanese Army Non-Commissioned Officers. Unlike officers’ swords, which frequently mounted traditionally forged family or private-purchase blades, the Type 95 was a fully military-produced weapon manufactured to standardised specifications. Early and middle-production examples retained higher quality fittings including cast aluminium grips painted to imitate traditional wrapping and clearly stamped contractor and arsenal markings. By the latter stages of the war, shortages increasingly forced simplified construction and cheaper materials. Examples retaining matching numbers and complete combat fittings remain increasingly sought after by collectors.

*Condition*
Very good untouched condition overall. Blade bright with light age marks and minor handling wear only. Matching serial numbers present to blade and scabbard. Hilt retains much original paint with expected service wear throughout. Scabbard displays oxidation and remnants of original olive-drab finish. Field suspension rig shows age and use wear. Tang unexamined. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

JAQ#3178EOO_3293241176