WW2 Type 95 Naval NCO Sword

Mid-war Type 95 NCO Naval Sword Variant Pattern 2/3, ~1938–1943.

Handle (tsuka): Aluminum cast over a wooden core/block, painted (usually brown) to simulate traditional ito wrap + rayskin. This is the standard mid-war Type 95 construction after the earliest brass/copper phase. "Wrapped" appearance comes from the molded/painted diamond or ito pattern.

Fittings: Brass (tsuba, fuchi, etc.) — consistent with initial-to-mid patterns before steel substitutions for wartime savings.

Anchor mark + "14018": Naval inspection/acceptance stamp + assembly serial. While Type 95 was officially an Army NCO sword, naval versions or hybrids with anchor stamps existed for Navy personnel or joint use. This fits as a naval-issued or inspected example.

Type 95s evolved rapidly due to material shortages:

Mid-war Patterns 2/3 Aluminum over wood, painted; brass then transitioning to steel fittings; metal scabbard. Most common.

History & Context

Designed for NCOs/enlisted as a durable, cheap-to-produce sidearm emphasizing utility over ceremony.

Produced in large numbers (tens of thousands) by arsenals like Tokyo 1st/Kokura and Nagoya, plus contractors.

Naval anchor indicates this sword was accepted for Imperial Japanese Navy use (officers/NCOs), possibly via shared production or inspection. These saw service across the Pacific theater.