Original Item: One of a Kind. Recently purchased at an estate sale, this is a lovely USGI Bring-Back wartime production Japanese Katana in an Army Civilian Shin-Guntō (新軍刀, new military sword) setting. These type of fittings (koshirae) were for Civilian employees of the Imperial Japanese Army, and are a lot more variable than the usual Army Officer Type. They are much closer to traditional fittings, without the cherry blossom motifs seen on Officer swords. For more information please see the book Swords of Imperial Japan 1868-1945: Cyclopedia Edition by Jim Dawson, pages 206-211, where "Civilian Swords in Military Use" are discussed and pictured.

The blade on this example was hand forged, and the tang of the blade is signed (MEI) with the characters 濃 州 関 住 人 兼 道 作, which is read NOSHU SEKI JUUNIN KANEMICHI SAKU. This translates to "Made by Kanemichi at Seki (Arsenal) in Noshu (Mino) Province". Also known as 小島兼道 (Kojima Kanemichi), their given name was 小島 時二郎 (Kojima Tokijirou). They were a somewhat notable smith, having studied under Watanabe Kanenaga as well as Kojima Katsumasa. Hawley rates them at an 8, and Toko Taikan rates them at ¥2M. In 1942, Kurihara Hikosaburo ranked about 400 Showa Era smiths, and graded them into 7 different levels with 1 being the highest. Kanemichi is rated at level 3, 上作 (JO SAKU or Good work) = 貴品の列 (Kibin no Retsu or Valuable Work). Blades by this smith are very well made, and they worked at Seki Arsenal. The tang is marked with the 昭 (Showa) in Cherry Blossom Arsenal Stamp, indicating civic inspection of the blade.

The other side of the blade has a NENGO (date), which reads 紀 元 二 千 六 百 一 年, read as KIGEN NISEN ROKU-HYAKU ICHI NEN. This roughly translates to "2601 years since the beginning of time", which in this case is the foundation of the Japanese empire, or 1941. This began with the reign of Emperor Jimmu (神武天皇 - Jinmu Tennō) in 660 BCE. There is also 菊一文字 (KIKU ICHIMONJI) next to this. KOJIMA TOKIJIRO KANEMICHI and Kojima Tosho Family compiled by Malcolm E Cox & Neil G Freeland for more information. Page 26 Describes the marking: 

Kiku Ichimonji 菊一文字 refers to the 82nd Emperor of Japan Go-Toba Chrysanthemum Throne who was a sword enthusiast and 1939 was the 700th anniversary of his death in 1229.

This marking was added to blades that Kanemichi worked on during this time. Definitely some great aspects to this blade and lots of opportunities for future research.

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

- Blade is signed on the tang by the maker ("Mei")

- Hole in the tang (mekugi-ana) is punched and not drilled

- Temper line (hamon) running full length of blade cutting edge, with crystallization visible (Nie and Nioi)

- Blade has a proper geometric kissaki (tip).

Offered in very good condition, the polish on the blade unfortunately has been quite degraded by improper cleaning over the years. It looks like it was probably buffed or had some type of sharpening stone used on it, which unfortunately is something we see all too often with USGI bring-backs. The blade is still relatively sharp, but definitely needs a full polish by a TOGISHI sword polisher. The blade length is approximately 24 ½" and the overall length is 35". It has a futsu 普通 (regular) Nakago with an Haagari (asymmetrical rounded) nakago-jiri (tang tip). The blade shape is SHINOGI-ZUKURI, which is the "standard" shape for most Katana and longer wakizashi. The main edge HAMON (刃文 - wave or temper line) is fully visible, however due to the degradation from cleaning we unfortunately cannot see any other aspects of the blade. It is a very nice GUNOME (互の目 - zig zag undulating) shape, and we can see part of the BOSHI ( 帽子 - tip temper line), however we cannot see if there is any turnback.

The fittings are typical of what we see the Army Civilian Employee Shin-Gunto katanas during the WWII period, in this case having an IJA brass MOKKO GATA (quince) shaped TSUBA (cross guard), with 4 seppa to keep it from wobbling. There is a hole in one side, which would have been for a securing strap to go to the leather scabbard cover, which is now missing. The Tsuka (handle) has an excellent stingray (Sa-Me) grip panels, covered with complete olive green Ito (cloth binding), which is in very good condition, but does show some staining and wear from use. This holds two menuki in place, which look to be floral designs with nice antiquing. The FUCHI (grip collar) and KASHIRA (end cap) are both brass, showing some nice dragonfly designs. The habaki (blade collar) is copper, seen commonly on Showa era private purchase blades.

The SAYA (scabbard) is a standard civilian style wooden example, finished with black URUSHI lacquer. It originally had a KURIKATA sword knob, however it was removed, and the scabbard then fit into a leather field cover. Originally there would have been a hanger loop installed under this, however that is now missing, and the leather field cover has had the stitching rot out over almost the entire length, which allows it to be removed from the scabbard.

A lovely handmade Japanese Army Civilian Employee type Shin-gunto by a known maker with lots of research potential! This is a real USGI bring-back from WWII, ready to display and cherish!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 24 ½”
Blade Style: Shinogi-Zukuri
Overall length: 35”
Scabbard Length: 27 ½"

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.