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Item:
ONSV21NSH145

Original WWII Japanese Type 98 Shin-Gunto Katana Sword by MASAYUKI with Leather Covered Scabbard

Item Description

Original Item: One of a Kind. Recently purchased at a 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 tang is signed by the maker, and it appears to be an arsenal-forged stainless steel blade. 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 of the blade on this example is signed (Mei) with the characters 洛 陽 千 本 金 剛 鍛 錬 所 正 幸, which are read "RAKUYŌ SENBON KONGŌ TANREN-JŌ MASAYUKI". The last two characters MASAYUKI are the name of the smith, and are signed in a very stylized manner. The rest of the writing is the name of the forge where Masayuki worked, presumably in Kyōto (Rakuyō is an archaic name of the city). We found references to this smith in online documents from Japan, which state "The son and successor to 正次 (MASATSUGU) was 正幸 (MASAYUKI), who made swords in Kyōto until WWII." There is not much else we can find about this smith or forge.

The other side of the tang is marked 昭 和 廿 年 七 月 日, which translates to Showa Era 20th Year (1945) 7th Month (July).

Offered in very good condition, the blade is still sharp and looks great. There are a few small nicks and dings on the edge, and it does show some scuffing from use and/or cleaning. It does not look to have been traditionally polished at any point due to the stainless steel construction. Blade length is approximately 24 5/8 inches and overall length 35 1/2 inches. The katana has a handmade blade with a Futsu 普通 (regular) Nakago (tang) with Haagari (asymmetrical rounded) nakago-jiri (tang tip). 

The blade mountings (koshirae) for the most part are the classic later WWII era Type 98 Army Shin-Gunto style, mostly made from plated brass. The iron tsuba (cross guard) is a rounded MOKKO GATA (quince) shape, and has a HITSU-ANA (hole) for the scabbard locking strap. It also has some nice decorative embossed designs. The grip features brass Imperial Army cherry blossom menuki (grip decorations), and a nice Kabuto-Gane (Pommel Cap). The fuchi (grip collar) and pommel cap have matching cherry blossom motifs, which are also found on other fittings.

There are 4 Seppa (spacers) around the cross guard to keep the fit tight, along with the leather washer for the scabbard lock. The blade collar (habaki) looks to be the standard bronze alloy. The handle (tsuka) has an nice Sa-Me (Stingray) grip, which is fully intact. It has a complete brown Ito (cloth binding), which shows moderate staining and light wear. There is a single wooden securing peg (mekugi) still present, which looks to be original.

The Scabbard (saya) is a standard plain wood type, covered with a leather field cover. It has a single metal hanger ring with a swivel. The leather cover is in good shape, showing light wear and scrapes from service and decades of age and storage. The securing snaps at the top are still functional, however the snap for the lock strap on the handle has broken.

A very nice Japanese Type 98 Shin-gunto by a known maker, this is a real USGI bring-back from WWII, ready to display and cherish!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 24 5/8"
Blade Style: Katana
Overall length: 35 1/2“
Scabbard Length: 27 1/4"

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.

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