WWII Japanese Type 95 NCO Katana Sword

World War II Imperial Japanese Army Type 95 Shinto Gunto Katana Sword for a non commissioned officer, produced by The Tokyo First Arsenal. The copper fuchi bears a Tokyo First Arsenal sword maker’s stamp, Tokyo First Arsenal inspection stamp and a Kokura Arsenal identification stamp. The Kokura Arsenal did not produce any Type 95 Shin Gunto but over-saw the production of these swords by the Tokyo First and Nagoya arsenals so its identification stamp is sometimes found on Type 95 swords. The machine made grooved blade is in excellent condition with very minor pitting and tarnish consistent with its age and use. The serial number "106131" and a Tokyo First Arsenal stamp are clearly marked above the bohi (fuller). The serial number on the throat of the scabbard does not match that of the blade but this is quite usual. When sent to the armourer for sharpening, swords were often returned without their original scabbard and an active and regularly sharpened sword could go through a number of scabbard swaps during its service life. This sword has a cast aluminu tsuka (hilt) with a 9mm thick ornate brass tsuba (guard) with pebble finish, styled to look like cord wrapped rayskin with menuki and stamped behind tsuba with chrysanthemum and Tokyo arsenal marks. The fuchi is copper and the sword is secured in the scabbard by a top latch, all of which identifies it as being a third pattern sword dating to around 1938 – mid 1941. After mid-1941, the tsuba and fuchi were made of unadorned iron. Painted steel scabbard in excellent condition. Blade 26-2/8". Overall with handle 36-3/8”. ** area of roughness to blade which is oiled & wear to paint on handle.