Original Item: One of a Kind. Recently purchased at large military show, this is a very nice USGI Bring-Back 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 tang is signed by the maker, 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. It is in very good condition, and comes with a great leather covered wooden scabbard.

The blade on this example was hand forged, and the tang of the blade is signed (Mei) with the characters 濃 州 住 長 村 清 宣 作, which is read as NOSHU JU NAGAMURA KIYONOBU SAKU. This roughly translates to "made by Kiyonobu Nagamura in Mino Province". Research indicates that smith's real name was 長村 松市 - Nagamura Matsuichi, so in this case Matsuichi is their given name, while Nagamura is their "swordsmith" name. Their name appears in the Seki Tanrensho Booklet printed in 1939. Kiyonobu was active during the Showa Period and worked at Seki arsenal in Gifu, Mino Province (美濃国). They look to have made both arsenal forged and traditional blades. We have confirmed the signature (Oshigata) with other examples of his work. They are also listed Page 85 of An Oshigata Book of Modern Japanese Swordsmiths 1868-1945 by John Slough.

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 is signed on the tang by the maker ("Mei").

- 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)

Offered in great condition, the blade is still quite sharp and looks great. The polish is in very good condition, and the aspects of the hamon are still easy to see. It has however been cleaned with uchiko powder since the last time it was polished, which has degraded the polish somewhat, making some aspects harder to see. The edge does not show any major dents, bends, or other issues. Blade length is approximately 25 7/8 inches and overall length of 36 1/2 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 easily visible, and is a very attractive and active YAHAZU MIDARE (矢筈乱れ - irregularly notched) style, which shimmers in the light. It does look somewhat like a GUNOME type, but there are definitely small notches at the peaks. Along the transition there are clear NIE crystals visible, with cloudy areas of NIOI in the body of the hamon. There are also some areas of ASHI, which are lines of NIOI running towards the edge. The tip temper line (boshi) is visible, and is of the OOMARU (large turnback) shape. The yokote is is still partly clear, and the blade has a proper geometric kissaki (tip). The blade body (JI) shows some faint grain (hada), which is the straight (masame) type. This is really a nice looking blade!

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 gilding is still strong on a lot of the components, something we rarely see! The tsuka (handle) has brass Imperial Army cherry blossom menuki (grip decorations), and a nice Kabuto-Gane (Pommel Cap), with an intact bent steel 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 6 Seppa (spacers) around the cross guard to keep the fit tight. The tsuba and seppa are all inlet for the scabbard lock, which is still present and fully functional. Additionally, the Tsuba and all 6 seppa are marked with matching number 1 5 2, meaning they are a matched set made specifically for this blade. The fuchi is marked 54, so it may have been replaced during service.

The blade collar (HABAKI) is silver plated copper, though much of the plating has been worn away from cleaning. It is the standard shape usually seen on WWII production blades, with "rain" texture. The handle (tsuka) has a complete stingray skin (Sa-Me) grip, with the correct golden brown Ito (cloth binding). The wrapping is in very good slightly worn condition, showing just a bit of fraying in places, with no major damage. There is a single wooden securing peg (mekugi) still present, which is a post war replacement.

The Scabbard (saya) is wood with a leather field cover, which is sewn in place around it. It is interesting however, as the wooden scabbard looks to have the usual Type 98 fittings on it, now under the leather cover. It has a brass hanger ring and fitting, a SEMEGANE scabbard ring, and SAYAJIRI scabbard tip. The KOIGUCHI scabbard mouth fitting is inlet for the scabbard lock on the hilt, which still locks securely. Overall condition is very good, with the leather showing a lovely color on this very interesting scabbard.

A great handmade 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: 25 7/8"
Blade Style: Shinogi-Zukuri Katana
Overall length: 36 1/2“
Scabbard Length: 28 1/2"

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.