Original Item: Only One Available. Purchased at a recent military show, this is a very interesting late war "Last Ditch" Katana, which has a scabbard wrapped entirely in leather. This example was certainly brought back by a returning USGI. As Allied forces were closing in on mainland Japan, repeated bombing raids destroyed Japan's manufacturing and industrial capacity. Due to this, the quality of the arsenal-made weapons declined quite markedly.

Many Officer swords were made at arsenal, as there was no way for the traditional sword makers to keep up with the demand. This Katana represents a last ditch effort to produce a sword. The quality is not nearly as high as even the P-1944 style swords. The mountings are a bit simpler than standard, with just a leather cover over wood for the scabbard (saya), and standard fittings for the handle (tsuka). While the hilt fittings are the usual style, they look to be hand made, instead of the usual high quality cast components.

The blade does have the correct shape and geometry for a Katana, however it is somewhat crudely arsenal made. The blade also has suffered significant rust damage near the tip, and has an overall degraded polish. The cutting portion of the blade measures 27 3/4 inches long, which is somewhat longer than typical, and does have a nice curve. Overall length of the sword is 38 1/4 inches. The katana has an arsenal made blade with a Futsu 普通 (regular) Nakago (tang) with an kurijiri (rounded) nakago-jiri (tang tip). The blade collar (habaki) is the standard brass, and the cross guard (tsuba) "mokko gatta" shape, with "Yamato Zakara" cherry blossom emblems in the design.

The handle (tsuka) has the expected simulated stingray (Sa-Me) grip, with complete Ito (cloth binding), which is in good condition, with some wear. The wrapping is also somewhat loose. Held under the wrapping are brass Imperial Army cherry blossom menuki (grip decorations), and the end has a nice simplified Kabuto-Gane (Pommel Cap). There are 6 Seppa (spacers) around the cross guard to keep the fit tight, with a simple brass fuchi (grip collar). The single wooden securing peg is still present, and there is a sword not attached to the loop on the end of the hilt, but it does not appear to be Japanese.

The leather cover has a great aged look, and has faded to a nice dark brown. Under the cover, the scabbard is bare wood, which is common in late war and last ditch katanas. Unbuttoning the top reveals the number 6 written on the wood itself. This matches the number 6, which is stamped on all 6 seppa spacers and inside the fuchi grip collar. There are also 6 notches cut into the end of the handle, all of which indicates that this was a specific set made for this blade.

A very interesting "Last Ditch" katana from WWII. Ready to add to your collection!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 27 3/4"
Blade Style: Katana
Overall length: 38 1/4“
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 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.