Short fuller. I do not think they will be able to make a perfect fake as there are too many small details right down to the materials used. Have always thought the comments about not tipping off the forgers are just plain silly.I still do.The image of some rough factory in China where they are turning these outand some guy on a computer somewhere shouting out in Chinese into the factory "Hey guys! Be sure to read Reproductions and Fakes. WW2. Here are the expected photos of the serial numbers. in the hilt. Bruce has politely written exactly what my reply would have been. The overall swords are getting better. By law, Japanese citizens were forbidden to own swords. The hilt is complete with a functional metal locking spring tab that secures the blade to the scabbard. by differential tempering of the blade. But machine made swords like this one do not have the accuracy of manufacturing that enable the Habaki to perform such a function. One, they aren't in the correct range. Please quote item reference S72 (0690). The type and color of the rust is used to help date and to authenticate the blade. Sure, there's lots of other details like proof marks to look for, but these 5 things are just glaringly obvious and easy to see in pictures, and one or more seems to be on every single repro sword out there, so they're quick and easy ways to ID fakes. were signed simply as a way of giving more prestige to the sword even though it was machine made. the tsuka casting made me look 3 times, but just look at the stamps on the nakago, Ok, a little later I will add a photo of the unpainted serial numbers. There are a few small nicks on the edge of the blade, but they are hard to photograph. So many repros use Phillips or combination screws, especially on the saya. Does the blade show a true temper line (hamon)? Blade is 26.5 inches long, with an overall length of 36.5 inches. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. There are some very knowledgeable and experienced folk here and you can trust their deduction. The fuchi collar at the base of the grip bears three stamped marks, these being the marks of the Iijima Copany, the group that manufactured the blade within the Tokyo Arsenal; the inspection stamp of the Imperial Army unit within the Tokyo arsenal that inspected the sword; and the Tokyo Arsenal identification stamp. I agree. Copyright 1995-2023 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. Modern replicas may look like antique swords; be it a tachi, katana, wakizashi or tanto. Gun magazine laws, concealed weapons laws, laws governing new made display guns, airsoft guns, blank fire guns, and other items vary greatly by nation, state and locality. Display as a link instead, Even so, enough to fool a novice. So all of these swords are offered on egun.de, schwertshop.de and other german sellers. I just want an accurate reproduction. The Scabbardlooks to have some paint left, however it is under the leather cover, which we have not removed, so we do not know how much still remains. All Images and Text Copyright 2003-2023 International Military Antiques Inc. All Rights Reserved. Blade is 26.25 inches long, with an overall length of 36.25 inches. Many of the better It's hard to really pin down, just doesn't sit right with the eye. - it will reduce its value by at least 50 percent!! As above100% fakejust look at the fit on the saya throatBut yes they are getting betterBought a sword at a recent big militaria fair,actually two swordsleft them with the sellers instead of carrying them around when I came to pick them up was approached by a very polite Chinese fella who offered to buy them at a premium off meHe didn't hide anything said he was sending them back to ChinaAt the end of the show he had bags fullhe looked like ' Buckin Bronco ' carrying them away ! Showing an average amount of wear throughout, this Japanese Type 95 NCO Shin-Gunto is a beautiful example throughout. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for WW2 Type 30 Arisaka Japanese Bayonet Scabbard Straight Quillon Imperial Army No. The collctors in China can spot the fake easily as well,and they pay more than us to get the real ones. Given the large jump in value that NCO swords have experienced in the last few years and given how relatively easy it is to copy something that is cast and milled without a lot of hand work involved, I think it is only a matter of time, and not much time at that, before the fakes are indistinguishable from the real thing. But a small percentage made its way back to the United States and into the collector market. I agree and have never been able to put it into words like you just did. As originally produced the saber included a leather finger loop inside of the guard, which was riveted to the basket guard. Your link has been automatically embedded. Akunin This one really annoys me. Save japanese type 95 sword to get e-mail alerts and updates on your eBay Feed. Paste as plain text instead, An etched temper line will be seen as a smooth cloud lacking any internal features. Referencing Carlo's post from last year, I also used to collect some German (for MANY years) and was quite confident in my ability to spot fakes, but I admit the quality is now off the charts (especially helmets) and it forced me totally out of that hobby. (Do not remove the rust). It is said that during battle soldiers would not use the ring but rather would stick the sword through the belt the same way as the Samurai in ancient times. Would need in hand to see many more. That's why I addressed here. Blade is 26 1/4 inches long, with an overall length of 36 1/4inches. Steves last post real or copy? Most swords do not . can be. I have been asked this many times at shows, from dealers and buyers. well it would have fooled me, how about you other gunto guys? Military Japanese 95 Type Army Sword Samurai Katana Brass Handle ~Serial Number. The original thread is gone and buried somewhere and this, Saw these photos of a fake Type 95. Matching serial numbers 31123. There is no historical documentation that ninja used swords which were of a special design or differed from those used by other Japanese of the period. Could this thread please get a Fake tag? Upload or insert images from URL. This is a great and guaranteed genuine Japanese NCO's Type 95 sword that was carried by a career soldier. Serial range could be wrong as well but, I cant see them. And even if your intentions are completely legitimate, the "bad guys" are still out there and could read this post. It's a reissued one like one in Fuller & Gregory's book. Truly disappointing. Overall a very nice condition WW2 Type 95 NCO Katana that will appreciate in value over the coming years. The early serial number shows this sword saw service throughout WW2. iaito (iai practice sword)? Older swords will have more rusted tangs, ranging from brown to smooth deep black rust for the oldest swords. Always check. It's a huge tell tale. The sword sheathes and draws very well, and the The NMB says so!" Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. collectors often have a higher knowledge base then dealers, and a higher respect for items and there history. Obvious two issues are the scabbard pattern and additional screw. For definitions of terms, check the visual glossary page. The members here in the board who collect these swords are taking a very good investment for the future. This scabbard also has an original leather field cover, which has discolored and shrunk over time. People can scoff at paranoia as much as you like but the simple fact is they are getting better, whether through study of originals or reading well intentioned post. Used. "Ninja swords" are a Hollywood fiction. Please consider starting a new thread rather than reviving this one, unless your post is really relevant and adds to the topic.. 20062021 Nihonto Message Board June 23, 2016. like many dealers, there main concern is profit, regardless of the piece being a reproduction. Required fields are marked *. from China He didn't hide anything said he was sending them back to ChinaAt the end of the show he had bags fullhe looked like ' Buckin Bronco ' carrying them away ! There are strategies in place with most countries Customs and Border protection to seize and destroy fake watches, handbags, CD's DVD's etc, but swords are not even on the RADAR. The grip wrapping and menuki are cast-formed. You cannot re-wrap the hilt with the silk cord that was removed. A World War II Type 95 Japanese Army NCO sword on which the sword blade and scabbard both have matching serial numbers. There's a technical term for it in Australia. WW II swords. By A subreddit for enthusiasts, practitioners, collectors, and investigators of swords (and related historical weapons). This was a tough one! Description. This is why the education side of collecting is so important!! Authorized for production in 1935, the Type 95, commonly referred to as the NCO sword was all-machine made unlike the more expensive and higher-quality Officers sword. NCO copper tsuka (handle) that is actually painted on top of the handle, I have not seen that before. Katana | HEAVY Cutter For HEAVY Targets. IMA considers all antique guns offered on our website as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Traditionally this function is assigned to the Habaki (blade collar). Typical WWII Imperial Japanese Army style fittings, with a single suspension ring from the scabbard, known as the "New Military Sword" ( - shin guntou) style. Number of bids and bid amounts may be slightly out of date. Japanese early second pattern WWII Type 95 NCO shin gunto with matching numbered scabbard. Everything for sale on ima-usa.com is completely legal to own, trade, transport and sell within the United States of America. The condition of this sword is very good, with only some light surface staining on the blade. antique blades were left unsigned or have had their signatures (mei) lost over time. NCO's sword, Kokura arsenal stamp. View cart for details. This is due to the method 2023 GriffinMilitaria.com. Most swords do not have matching . But as I have been at this for a while, I'm seeing how much better the reproductions are getting, and I realize that every bit of help they can get by reading posts like this, helps them make their fakes even better. The one thing that always sets off alarms on these is the tsuka almost looks blurred or sandblasted, the real NCO's are usually crisp and bold and well defined. Collectible Japanese Katanas, Japanese WWII Swords, Japanese Straight Razor, Japanese Tea Cup; Additional site navigation. It is Type 95 with an aluminum tsuka. Greetings. 4x 3 Inch Rubber Casters Heavy Duty Safety Brake Wheels For Wire Shelving Rack, Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" FHD Laptop Intel Core i7-1165G7 8GB RAM 512GB SSD, Chrome Mirror Vinyl Film Wrap Sticker Decal Stretchable Reflective Super Gloss, DEWALT DCCS620B 20V MAX Cordless Li-Ion 12 in. If the blade is aluminum, the sword is not In my searches, I've compiled a list of things that (usually Chinese) reproductions get wrong. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Here is another example that's not too bad, but the bohi, stamps (these are most obvious parts) and other details are off. I would recommend you check with your original person who raised the concern about it's originality. I can't get over the prices on these nowadays.. crazy, https://www.ebay.com/itm/WW2-WWII-Japanese-NCO-OFFICERS-SWORD-WITH-MATCHING-NUMBERS/253234351978?hash=item3af5f18f6a:g:wxsAAOSwAHtZ94Dm. WW2 Imperial Japanese Type 95 pattern Army NCO's sword, sold In good condition and with matching sword vs scabbard serial numbers, this is a 100% guaranteed authentic WW2 Imperial Japanese Type 95 pattern Army NCO's sword / katana. (NOTE: Some swords may have two mekugi - one near the guard and the other near the end of the hilt. Be the first to know of our latest discoveries and exclusive offers. I think it's always worth spending the extra time to study these "high end fakes/copies" because they are getting better. Original Item: Only One Available. Writing about whatever interests me, and maybe you. Matching serial numbers 31123. I use it to post different and new varieties of fake 95s. This service used example is a genuine WWII Japanese Type 95 NCO Samurai Sword or katana, with aluminum handle construction and machine made fullered blade. Today I checked, just in case the sword was pulled from sale, and lo and behold there is a 'rare copper handle' now listed, clearly of the same manufacturer. Short fuller. $159.50. The Kokura Arsenal did not produce any Type 95 Shin Gunto but over-saw the production of these swords so its identification stamp is often found on Type 95 swords. They are unfortunately getting pretty good now. C $1,999.99 . Japanese WWII Type 95 NCO Sword. Some older (Shinshinto) These take that shape of various dragon figures, Japanese peasants, fish etc. Mauser 99 in post 15 look to the scabbard throat and you should see the brass sleeve visible.Also with the MountCastle example the paint still looked fresh in the overly large fake serial number on the throat..Shame really because the one that is on the site with a painted hilt but marked sold is a real one,and nice too ! I'm not an expert on Japanese swords, so I'll be glad with the maximum information on this Type 95. There are old sword blades which have no visible grain (muji hada); however, the presence of grain does like many dealers, there main concern is profit, regardless of the piece being a reproduction. Does anyone know if theres a production dating list for the different manufacturers of the type 95 nco swords ? Scabbard in very nice condition. Most handmade You cannot paste images directly. Could someone simply call the most obvious differences from the original? Sometimes they just forget this part. This is a fake for at least two obvious reasons : 1- copper hilted type 95's, or 1st generation T-95's are very scarce and have only 4 digits serial numbers (around 6000 produced). Rarely is a high quality blade found in sword cane mounts; however, some of Sometimes they get irate. The metal of the scabbard has the patina of old iron. Scabbard retains around 70% of the original paint. October 27, 2017 in Military Swords of Japan. in WW II military mounts. After that I heard nothing. The Americans destroyed a large number of swords by dumping them into the ocean or by melting them. Fakes never get it right. Of the eight army arsenals active in the war only Kokura, Tokyo First and Nagoya were involved in the Type 95 program. NOTE: The following suggestions for determining whether a Japanese sword is old or new (WW II era or later) are only general guides. Is there visible grain (hada) in the steel of the blade? It's also really interesting that it looks like the original serial numbers on the scabbard and blade matched before they were ground. / scabbard has quite a bit of its original war time browning and Of the eight army arsenals active in the war only Kokura, Tokyo First and Nagoya were involved in the Type 95 program. sword clubs in many cities. Pasted as rich text. As I said in the other NCO topic. The Americans destroyed a large number of swords by dumping them into the ocean or by melting them. General McCarthur did not want the general population to be able to arm again. I have been asked this many times at shows, from dealers and buyers. I'll continue to post where I find different examples. Arsenal stamps do not appear on pre-1930's blades. 20062021 Nihonto Message Board & valuations. The scabbards and hilts are usually designed to resemble bamboo A number of opinions have been provided, some with hints of the issues. Paste as plain text instead, China has a rising group of wealthy individuals who are buying up cars, gold, realeatate, antiques and art at an alarming rate. It will have shrunk and is likely frayed and worn. Free shipping for many products! Also many Chinese military swords are confused with Japanese swords. is signed, that it must be hand made. I am extremely thankful for the help/knowledge shared in this forum. A real shooter with aim. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns manufactured prior to 1899. Ivory has a distinctive grain. Blade is 26.5 inches long, with an overall length of 36.5 inches. Many will have some type of engraving, usually floral, on the blade. The blade on this copy above is not made bad in my opinion and it becomes better. It comes with the original bag it came home from the war in. . Most of the Gun News That is Fit to Print! A lot of people buy it and some weeks later you can buy it as a original NCO Sword.. The great majority of these swords are made of carved bone, not ivory. Here is my last IJA type 95 copper handle nco sword the I own. No habaki. It is something I very much dread, having to carefully vet every sword I see, but that's what happens when something increases in value at a steady rate each and every year. I'll be an optimist Did he say to use as the basis for copies? National Guard Marksmanship Training Center. There is a suspicion that this is a fake. Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal, Amazon & Sezzle. I sent the seller a message. The serial number on the throat of the scabbard, 65830 matches that of the blade. WW II era machine made swords have an etched temper line, not a true temper line (hamon) made The blades in these items are all "soft steel" and have etched temperlines The painted handle and scabbard color look very nice, even though there were still some parts not correct compared to the real one, but it will fool a lot of people. Everything to know Japanese 95 nco swordPlease visit our Ebay store and subscribe to our channel https://www.ebay.com/str/thediamondmonkey42You will find in . Blade is 26.25 inches long, with an overall length of 36.25 inches. Please see our. Anyway, if ok, can I post some pictures to get your expert opinion on my purchase? This fine example is a genuine WWII Japanese Type 95 NCO Samurai Sword or katana with aluminum handle construction and machine made blade. Original Item: Only One Available. I opted for the lower end of the market and went for a Type 95 (this is all new to me and only found this out through google) NCO Shin Gunto. They sell it for 165 EUR everywhere. I avoided buying into German WW2 helmets because of the fakes out there and now I've entered into another minefield. When ANY doubt exists as to the authenticity or The 26 3/8 inch nagasa (cutting edge section) blade is in very This is a blatant fake, which you should keep well away from. It is said that during battle soldiers would not use the ring but rather would stick the sword through the belt the same way as the Samurai in ancient times. Murasame Katana L6 Steel Hand Forged Steel. We assume no liability associated with misuse of our products. Sincerely, Eugene Quote vajo Gold Tier 5.8k Location:Germany / Bavaria Name: Chris Sch. Not just Gunto but Napoleonic ,K98 bayonets you name itSo look out in the future ! An excellent example of a World War II Type 95 Japanese Army NCO sword that was obviously carried in the field of combat operations. Agree with others had to study it for a bit, since it is not an obvious reproduction - but at the end of the day, it has issues! WWII JAPANESE TYPE 98 ARMY SHIN-GUNTO SWORD!!! Japanese swords will have a visible grain in the steel of the blade. I completely agree with Bill here. Do not undertake to dis-assemble a sword unless you know what you are Because it's really quite a nice repro, thought I'd better share it here as for reference. By I am not sure why the serial numbers are covered? I very much doubt that it would matter, but even someone with a repro would be able to use that information to create a fake. If the swords are getting this good I think that's not a good idea. WWII Japanese Army Type 95 Tokyo Arsenal NCO Shin-Gunto Sword $ 895.00 A World War II Type 95 Japanese Army NCO sword on which the sword blade and scabbard both have matching serial numbers. A great early war example at a low price; yours for ? Identifying the Best Training, Tools, and Tactics for the Armed Civilian! signed or not has little to do with determining if it is handmade or the age of the blade. (too Used In good condition! a good first indicator. They just copy the real swords they import.Just comment what you like, you are not changing anything. Bone tanto and swords (see below) fall into this group. Etchings. That is an important part of identifying the authenticity of an NCO. A World War II Type 95 Japanese Army NCO sword on which the sword blade and scabbard both have matching serial numbers. Typical WWII Imperial Japanese Army style fittings, with a single suspension ring from the scabbard, known as the "New Military Sword" (shin guntou) style. Something went wrong. . Around $1.000. There is a suspicion that this is a fake. The position of the number on the blade, configured to be read with the cutting edge down, identifies the sword as having been produced by the Tokyo Arsenal (The only other source for the Type 95 sword was the Nagoya arsenal, which impressed the number on the blade in such a. They don't need to read the NMB daily to see if there are any tips. This sword I shared with Steve (this thread) is a very good knowledge test - the goofy belt hanger (Bruce references) made me discount the sword immediately, but on closer look (my opinion) the stamps are a bit better than the other, cheaper fakes out there on the market. It sounds to me like he was indeed a 3rd party procuring items. However, it is ultimately the responsibility of the buyer to be in compliance of laws that govern their specific location. There are stories that the small papers between the handle wrap (ito) and Carved bone and carved ivory sword mountings almost always have untempered, soft steel blades. Steel is magnetic - aluminum is not. Unfortunately have to agree with Brian, as prices move upwards, the copies will inevitably get better. All orders are subject to acceptance by IMA Inc, which reserves the right to refuse any order. This is pure fiction. The serial number should be near the bottom of the blade, just above the habaki. of forging the blade using multiple folds,etc. It's a reissued one like one in Fuller & Gregory's book. If the peg (mekugi) or screw holding the handle (tsuka) onto the blade can be removed and the handle safely removed (use care not to damage the handle or blade - the complete handle should slide off the end of the tang), examination of the tang (nakago) can tell much about the age of the blade. If there are serial numbers stamped in the blade, it is a machine made Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. The early serial number shows this sword saw service throughout To a novice who buys on impulse..then asks in the forums.you'll get BURNT. system works well. Sometimes they just forget this part. Check the military sword page for examples of WW II era the mounts can be interesting with hidden, spring loaded, pop out guards. All correct! another example where they got the product near correct but numbered it wrong. There are numerous varieties of items made in the 20th Century as Didn't want to explain to much, because that sword copys get better and better. I don't want to help them any more than necessary. Further The tsuba is the plain style utilized on NCO swords. Out of stock. Benefits CHARITY. You might also visit the Ohmura site and study the pictures there. This prevents the sword from falling when the soldier is running. This sword has a cast aluminium tsuka (hilt) with an approximately 10mm thick ornate aoi-shaped brass tsuba (guard). Posted October 27, 2017 Authorized for production in 1935, the Type 95, commonly referred to as the NCO sword was all-machine made unlike the more expensive and higher-quality Officer's sword. It's also really interesting that it looks like the original serial numbers on the scabbard and blade matched before they were ground. If the tsuka can be dismanteld from sword with out removing the sarute and barrel, its a fake! All NCO swords were numbered. These are simply paper spacers to aid in positioning the wrapping properly on the handle. $4200. How the sword is mounted has nothing to do with its age or authenticity. See each listing for international shipping options and costs. I ask you to help in determining the authenticity of the sword. Most sword canes were produced in the late 19th Century - early 20th Century. Carlos,I remember your sword ( if it's the same one you first put on the site ) and it's 100%If you look at the sword by Shamsy in post no9 look at the seppa and how poorly it fits and how new it looks ! Thanks sean, Your email address will not be published. Stick to reliable sources more Han ever if you want to avoid getting burnt ! Hi I'm a newly signed up member of the site. The serial #'s are the best place to focus IMHO. Grain (hada) is sometimes difficult for beginners to recognize. This fine example is a genuine WWII Japanese Type 95 NCO Samurai Sword or katana with aluminum handle construction and machine made blade. original copper coloured paint and is in very good shape. Newer swords will have a grey, metallic tang perhaps with a little red rust. The prices go higher and higher and they will copy better and better to take part on this. painted wood figures. If there is a tang stamp (see the military sword page for examples) on the nakago, up close to the blade collar (habaki), it is a WW II era sword - these are arsenal stamps. It is terrible. Pair of Mid 19th Century Japanese Long Blade Katana Swords with Scabbards, Japanese Samurai Katana Sword Blade NCO Matching Number Copper Handle Steel Saya, Japanese Sword - Naganata or Wakizashi - Suki Sada Osafune Province - Circa 1570, EXCELLENT WWII Japanese Sword NCO CAVALRY SABER Original World War 2 SHIN GUNTO, Katana, samurai sword - tamahagane steel - Simon lee - Japan - 20th century, Japanese Clay Tempered 1095 Steel Tanto Sword Shirasaya Razor Sharp Knife Dagger, Damascus Folded Steel Tachi Japanese Samurai Sword katana Full Tang Sharp, CUSTOM HANDMADE D2-TOOL STEEL CHINESE STYLE SAMURAI TANTO SWORD WITH SHEATH, GREAT SAMURAI SWORD - AMAZING KATANA JL-055B, Antique Japanese SAMURAI Sword NIHONTO WAKIZASHI Musashitarou Yasukuni, 2020 Pokemon Japanese Sword & Shield Shiny Star V Marnie Shiny 198 PSA 10, Worldwar2 imperial japanese army koshirae exterior for NCO shin-gunto type95, WWII Japanese SHOWA 18-year Type3 Sword NIHONTO KATANA Imperial Japanese Army WW, WW2 Japanese Army Officer SHINGUNTO KATANA Samurai Sword Type 98 *HAND-FORGED*, Zinc Alloy Hand Guard Tsuba Kashira Fuchi Menuki For Japanese Katana Sword, Proffesional TANTO DAMAST TRAINING 6KM46-165BK, Beautiful Hanwei Celestial Katana in Superb condition, upgraded Sageo, with tags, WW II JAPANESE OFFICERS SAMURAI SWORD - ESTATE ITEM VET P/U. A new sword was pointed out to me recently which is very well made and in fact at first glance addresses a lot of the issues with obvious fakes. The above items are only a general guide. This fine example is a genuine WWII Japanese Type 95 NCO Samurai Sword or katana with aluminum handle construction and machine made blade. The Type 95 NCO sword is similar in appearance to officers Type 94 and Type 98 Shin-gunt military swords, but is made of lower quality materials, most notably its hilt, which is made from metal and the scabbard was similar to that of the Type 32 with a prominent drag. They are getting better with the Kokura cannonballs, but this one - the lines are to thin, the balls too big. The position of the number on the blade, configured to be read with the cutting edge down, identifies the sword as having been produced by the Tokyo Arsenal (The only other source for the Type 95 sword was the Nagoya arsenal, which impressed the number on the blade in such a way that it is read with the cutting edge facing up). Army NCO's Sword, matching serial numbers. All Rights Reserved. You can post now and register later. Any so called "ninja sword" is pure fantasy. late, now sold). 2- no screw is used as per T-95 usual fashion on the hilt but a special screw assembly located on the pommel and holed for the sword knot. These items are of I figured it might be useful to others. I liked the look of the Type 32 but all I've found was deepeeka. You cannot paste images directly. The matching serial numbers indicate the sword was taken off antique or of recent vintage. The saya/scabbard number should be on the top of the scabbard, where it's covered when the sword is sheathed. IMA works diligently to be aware of these ever changing laws and obeys them accordingly. The serial number should be near the bottom of the . Hope he listens. This example has a matching serial number 55250 on both the blade and the throat of the scabbard. General McCarthur did not want the general population to be able to arm again. The matching serial numbers indicate the sword was taken off the Japanese soldier, not an end of war mass surrender item (swords and scabbards were frequently . Most soldiers and citizens surrendered their swords to the American occupying forces. . The process of tsuka-maki (handle wrapping) is quite complicated. There are genuine collectors throughout China too. Man just crazy all the fakes and how great this sight is about telling how to spot them .many thanks for posting to help us out. The Phillips screw was only patented in 1932, and hadn't caught on in most of the world by WWII. Slowly improving. Where should I look for records or production date/serial number guides? Shamsy locking mechanism works very well. A real one would also be fine, but is too expensive for me. The Mechanix of Auto, Aviation, Militarypert near anything I feel relates to mechanical things, places, events or whatever I happen to like.