Original Item: One of a Kind. Recently purchased at large military show, this is a very nice USGI Bring-Back wartime production 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 is almost certainly wartime production, and 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.

The tang is unsigned 無銘 (mumei), or "anonymous", however it is certainly handmade in the traditional fashion. Many excellent blades do not have a signature, and the presence (or absence) of one has no relation to how it was forged, or the quality. The only marking on the tang is what looks to be a letter "V", which we do not recognize..

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 is punched and not drilled.

- Visible vibrant temper line ("hamon") with crystallization visible (Nie and Nioi)

- Blade has a geometric Yokote at the tip (kissaki) with a Boshi (tip temper line)

- Blade has visible grain "hada" in the body of the blade by the edge (ji)

- Clear lamination is visible on the body "ji" of the blade, running to the edge.

- Blade has visible wounds "kizu", only possible on laminated steel blades

Offered in very good condition, the blade is still quite sharp, and does not show any dents, dings, or other major wear from use. There are just a few scuffs and some small areas of light staining oxidation on the surface, and the aspects of the blade are still easily seen in the light. The polish is still in very good condition, and we there are no major condition issues. Blade length is approximately 26 inches and overall length of 37 ⅝ inches. The katana has a handmade blade with a Futsu 普通 (regular) Nakago (tang) with a Haagari (assymetrically rounded) nakago-jiri (tang tip).

The HAMON (刃文) temper line is still relatively visible, and looks to be a GUNOME (互の目 - undulating zig zag) shape, which shows lots of internal activity. This includes KINSUJI and SUNAGASHI in and slightly above the transition. Along the transition there are clear NIE crystals visible, with cloudy areas of NIOI in the body of the hamon. The blade has a proper geometric kissaki and the tip temper line (boshi) is visible, which is an Ō-MARU (大丸- large round turnback) shape. The yokote is still visible, and the blade body (JI) shows faint MOKUME HADA (杢目肌 - wood burl grained lamination). Definitely a blade with some great aspects to enjoy, and the hamon really shines in the light. This blade might only require a finish polish to bring it back to its full glory.

The blade mountings are the classic later WWII era Type 98 Army Shin-Gunto style, brass with gilt accents, featuring a rounded "quince" shaped (mokko gata) tsuba (cross guard). The tsuka (handle) has brass Imperial Army cherry blossom menuki (grip decorations), and a nice Kabuto-Gane (Pommel Cap), with an intact copper loop. 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 they are all matched pairs. The tsuba and seppa are all inlet for the scabbard lock, which is still present and fully functional.

The blade collar (habaki) is lacquered copper, and is the standard shape usually seen on WWII production blades. The handle (tsuka) has a complete stingray skin (Sa-Me) grip, with the correct golden brown Ito (cloth binding). The wrapping does show wear and staining from sweat and oil, but there is no major fraying or tearing. There is a single wooden securing peg (mekugi) still present, which looks to be a replacement. There is also a lovely MON family crest on the pommel cap, which we have not been able to identify.

The Scabbard (saya) on this example is lightweight aluminum over wood, and features an aged leather field cover, used to protect the finish and softer aluminum from dents. Unfortunately, the field cover shrank, and now cannot be removed from the scabbard. There are a few areas of tear through, so we can see that the brown paint is still present on the scabbard, however it also definitely has a bend in it, which makes the blade difficult to sheathe. The leather cover lacing at the top is missing, and we can see the characters 作 勝 (Saku Sho) on the side, which stands for "victory". The top fitting of the scabbard still has the inlet for the scabbard lock, which is fully functional.

A lovely handmade Japanese Type 98 Shin-gunto with a leather covered aluminum scabbard, this is a real USGI bring-back from WWII, ready to display and cherish!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 26"
Blade Style: Shinogi-Zukuri Katana
Overall length: 37 ⅝“
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.