Original Item: One of a Kind. Recently purchased at a military auction, this is a very good condition USGI Bring-Back wartime production Japanese officer Katana in the Type 98 Shin-Gunto (九八式軍刀 kyūhachi-shiki guntō) setting. The Type 98 fittings (koshirae) are slightly simplified compared to the earlier Type 94. 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. It still shows clear YASURIME (鑢目 - file marks) on the tang, which help hold the handle in place, and while oxidized the geometry is still crisp, typical of SHOWA era blades.

The blade has the following period correct features, indicating it was forged in the traditional manner using folded steel made from TAMAGAHANE (玉鋼 - precious steel) smelted iron sand:

- Hole in the tang is punched and not drilled.
- Vibrant visible temper line ("hamon") with crystallization visible (Nie and Nioi)
- Blade has a proper geometric Yokote at the tip (kissaki) with a Boshi (tip temper line)
- Visible HADA (grain) in the body of the blade and lamination in the temper line.

Offered in very good condition, the blade is still quite sharp in many areas, though it does display denting on the blade edge consistent with use in service, with a chip on the very tip. The polish is in very good condition, showing some light scuffing in areas, and some oxidation staining in areas near the base, probably from being handled long ago. There is also some staining further down, but not as advanced. In spite of this the aspects of the blade are relatively easy to see in the light. Blade length is approximately 23 ⅜ inches and overall length of the sword 34 ¼ inches. It is handmade with a FUTSU 普通 (regular) NAKAGO (tang) that has an IRIYAMAGATA (asymmetrical pointed) nakago-jiri (tang tip). The blade shape is SHINOGI-ZUKURI, which is the "standard" shape for most Katana and longer wakizashi. While this blade is a bit shorter than a Katana shout be, due to the fittings we are still labeling it as such, and not a wakizashi.

The main edge HAMON (刃文 - wave or temper line) is fully visible, and is a very attractive GUNOME (互の目 - undulating) shape, like a saw edge with a lot of internal activity. Lamination is clearly visible throughout, and along the transition there are clear NIE crystals visible, with cloudy areas of NIOI in the body of the hamon. The body of the blade (JI) also shows HADA (肌 - grain), which is a very tightly grained MASAME (柾目 - Straight) pattern, typical of showa era blades. The blade has a proper geometric KISSAKI (切先 - point of blade) with faint YOKOTE (横手 - line between ji and kissaki). The BOSHI ( 帽子 - tip temper line) is present, but due to wear we can no longer tell what shape it is.

The blade mountings (KOSHIRAE) are the classic WWII era Type 98 Army Shin-Gunto style, originally browned brass with gilt accents, but now a bit worn and mostly showing an oxidized brass patina. These include a brass MOKKO GATA (木瓜形 - four-lobed quince shape) type TSUBA (cross guard), which looks to be plated or gold finished, which is very well retained. There are also brass Imperial Army cherry blossom menuki (grip decorations), and a nice Kabuto-Gane (Pommel Cap) with an embossed end 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 four Seppa (spacers) around the cross guard to keep the fit tight, though it is a bit loose. The cross guard a cutout for a scabbard lock strap, and the seppa on that side are inlet, however the strap itself is missing. The blade collar (habaki) looks to be the standard plated brass alloy, with a "rain" pattern embossed on the surface. The handle (TSUKA) has a very nice SA-ME (Stingray Skin) grip, which is fully intact, though we cannot tell if it is real or synthetic, as was often used on mid-grade katana and below. It has a complete dark brown Ito (cloth binding), which shows staining and worked in dirt and oils from use. There is a single wooden securing peg (MEKUGI) still present, which is a replacement.

The SAYA (scabbard) for this example is wooden, typical for many mid-grade katana, particularly later in the war, and is the type that would usually have a leather field cover on it, but we believe that it was removed or deteriorated over time. It still retains the brass fitting for the hanger ring, and the ring itself, but has instead been covered with cloth, very possibly during the post war period. Attached to this is what we first thought was a capture paper, but instead it actually looks like it may be a sword permit from Japan, indicating that the sword was still in Japan well into the post war period, and then brought back more recently. It is unfortunately in poor condition, so we cannot make out much from it, but detailed analysis may yield some results.

Definitely an interesting example of a IJA Type 98 Shin-Gunto, with both great research and display potential.

Specifications:-
Blade Length: 23 ⅜"
Blade Shape: Shinogi-Zukuri (鎬造)
Overall length: 34 ¼“
Scabbard Length: 26 ⅛"

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.