WW2 Japanese Original Japanese Army Type 95 NCO Katana Samurai Sword with Matching Serial Numbers (Original)

SKU: JAPANESE TYPE 95 NCO KATANA SAMURAI SWORD MATCHING SN

Original/Reproduction: Original

Availability: In-stock

Manufacturer: Nagoya Arsenal

Date Manufactured: 1940’s

Type: Type 95 NCO Katana

Serial Number: 158834

Size / Dimensions 

Overall length: Approximately 38 inches in the Scabbard

Blade length: 26 inches

Crossguard:

Scabbard Length:

Materials / Construction: Steel, Brass, Stingray Skin, Aluminum,

Condition: Excellent

PRICE: $1500.00

Seller Type: WW2C

Seller ID: JMW

Seller Code: 500

Return Policy: 3-day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.

Description

This is an original WW2 Japanese Army Type 95 NCO Katana, a standard-issue sword carried by Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) of the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II. These swords were introduced in the 1930s to provide enlisted ranks with uniform weapons resembling traditional samurai swords, while being mass-produced for wartime efficiency.

History

The Type 95 NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer) Katana was a standard-issue sword used by the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II. Designed as a mass-produced, military-grade weapon, the Type 95 served as a symbol of authority and a practical sidearm for Japanese sergeants and corporals in combat.

Historical Background

Introduced in 1935, the Type 95 NCO sword was created to address the need for uniform and functional swords for non-commissioned officers. Unlike traditional hand-forged samurai swords, the Type 95 was machine-made, allowing for consistent quality and quicker production to meet wartime demand.

Design & Features

• Blade: The blade was typically machine-made from steel and featured a shallow fuller (groove) on both sides. It retained the curved, single-edged shape characteristic of the katana, optimized for slashing.
• Mountings: Early examples had solid brass tsuka (handle) with cast-in simulated ito (wrap), while later versions featured aluminum hilts painted to resemble the traditional wrap. The tsuka was secured with a single screw through the tang.
• Serial Numbers: Each sword was stamped with a matching serial number on the blade’s ricasso and the scabbard throat, aiding in inventory tracking and proof of issue.
• Tsuba (Guard): A simple, circular brass tsuba was standard, distinguishing it from more ornate officer models.
• Scabbard: Constructed of metal and painted brown or olive green, the scabbard was rugged and designed for combat conditions. Some had belt hangers or leather retention straps.

Variants & Production

Manufactured by various contractors including Kokura Arsenal, Nagoya Arsenal, and subcontractors like Tokyo First Arsenal and Suya Company, Type 95 swords underwent subtle design changes over the years. Early models featured higher quality craftsmanship and materials, while later-war examples were simplified due to resource shortages.

Combat Use

The Type 95 NCO sword was worn with pride and often used in close combat situations, particularly in the Pacific Theater. While largely symbolic of the samurai legacy, these swords were functional weapons carried during charges, executions, and battlefield ceremonies.

Collectibility

Today, original Type 95 NCO swords are highly sought after by military collectors, especially examples that retain matching serial numbers and original components. Condition, manufacturer markings, and wartime provenance significantly affect value.