Original Item: Only One Available. Purchased at a recent large military auction, this is a very nice wartime production high grade Japanese officer Katana in the Type 98 Shin-Gunto (九八式軍刀 kyūhachi-shiki guntō) setting. These type of fittings (koshirae) are slightly simplified compared to the earlier Type 94. The blade on this example appears to be handmade in the traditional fashion. A Shin-Guntō (新軍刀, new military sword) is a weapon and symbol of rank used by the Imperial Japanese Army between the years of 1935 and 1945. This is a very nice example, though it does show much use from service on the fittings and blade.

The blade is handmade and was expertly crafted by a sword maker, which is indicated by a few tell-tale characteristics that include:

- Hole in the tang are punched and not drilled.

- Clear grain ("hada") in the body of the blade

- Visible temper line ("hamon")

- Clear Yokote before the temper line (boshi) of the blade tip (Kissaki).

Offered in very good condition, the blade is still mostly sharp, however there are some significant nicks in the HA (edge), though they do not go through the hamon. The overall polish is good, though there is light oxidation in many areas, most likely from finger prints and use. Blade length is approximately 26 3/8 inches and overall length of 37 3/4 inches. The katana has a handmade blade with a Futsu 普通 (regular) Nakago (tang) with an Irayamagata (Asymmetrical Pointed) nakago-jiri (tang tip). It has geometric kissaki (tip), with a clear yokote (division between the tip and blade) and boshi (tip temper line).

The body of the blade (ji) shows itame (wood grain) hada, and is very attractive. The blade has a visible vibrant Hamon (temper line) which is a combination of Gunome (zig zag) and Notare (wave / swell). There is clear crystallization (nie and nioi) along the temper line, as well as ashi, which are streaks of nioi moving towards the edge. Very active temper lines are highly desirable, and this is definitely a nice one.

The blade mountings are the classic later WWII era Type 98 Army Shin-Gunto style, brass with gilt accents. Rounded "quince" shaped tsuba (cross guard) with brass Imperial Army cherry blossom menuki (grip decoration), and a nice Kabuto-Gane (Pommel Cap). The cross guard and pommel cap have matching cherry blossom motifs, which are also found on the scabbard fittings, and the fuchi (grip collar). There are 8 Seppa (spacers) around the cross guard to keep the fit tight, and all are inleted for the scabbard lock, which is fully functional. The blade collar (habaki) looks to be bronze alloy, with some nickel plating.

The handle (tsuka) has an nice stingray skin (Sa-Me) grip, which is fully intact. It has mostly complete Ito (cloth binding), which definitely shows wear and age. There is fraying and some splits and overall it has a lot of worn in dirt and grease. There is a single wooden securing peg (mekugi) still present, which looks to be original.

The Scabbard (saya) is wooden with a Textured Lacquered fabric overlay. This type of scabbard is lightweight and usually seen on HIGH end Katanas. They have a cloth wrapping over the wood before the thick paint on layers are applied. It acts as a reinforcing and gives it a lovely textured look. There is some wear to the paint, but overall it is solid, and the first example we have had. It has the correct single hanger loop of the Type 98 style, and the top fitting is inleted for the scabbard lock on the hilt. 

The Number 0498 is stamped into the fuchi, tsuba, and all eight of the seppa, indicating that this was an original matched set made to go together with this particular sword. There may have been paint markings on the tang of the blade, but they are no longer visible, and wear and oxidation on the tsuka and saya make seeing any numbers impossible. However we do not doubt that these fittings were made specifically for this high end blade.

Overall in lovely service worn condition, a real USGI-bring back from WWII, ready to display and cherish!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 26 3/8"
Blade Style: Katana
Overall length: 37 3/4“
Scabbard Length: 29"

It has been over one thousand years ago that the art of making swords appeared in Japan. The swordsmiths of the time may not have known it but they were creating a legendary sword. The Samurai sword has seen combat in many battlefields. From the early days of the Samurai warrior to the fierce battles in the South Pacific during WWII.

Each hand-made Samurai sword is unique because it is forged from folded steel stock. A tremendous amount of work is dedicated to creating these pieces. They were an instrument of war as much as a beautiful artifact to adorn a room.

The Samurai sword has grown to be one of the most highly desired military antiques.