Original Item: One of a Kind. Recently purchased at large military show, this is a very nice USGI Bring-Back wartime production Japanese Army 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. This example has something we rarely see: a rubberized canvas scabbard cover. These are almost always made from leather, and this is probably the first time we have had one made from rubberized canvas faux leather.

The blade on this example was hand forged in the traditional manner, and the tang of the blade is signed (Mei) with the characters 藪 下 義 光 作 - YABUSHITA YOSHIMITSU SAKU, or "YABUSHITA YOSHIMITSU made this". Research indicates that this smith's real name was 藪下 不二夫 (Yabashita Fujio), so in this case "Yabashita" was their family name, and "Yoshimitsu" their "swordsmith name." We have seen many other smiths sign their swords in this fashion. Their name appears in the Seki Tanrensho Booklet printed in 1939. Yoshimitsu was active during the Showa Period and worked at Seki arsenal in Gifu, Mino Province (美濃国), and is stamped 関 (SEKI) on the tang. They look to have made both arsenal forged and traditional blades. We have confirmed the signature (Oshigata) with other examples of his work.

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 temper line ("hamon") with crystallization visible (Nie and Nioi)

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

- Blade has visible grain "hada" in the body of the blade (ji)

Offered in very good condition, the blade is still quite sharp, so please handle with care. It does look like at some point portions of the blade did suffer oxidation damage, which was then polished out, possibly using uchiko ball powder. This has made the aspects of the blade difficult to see in some areas, particularly near the tip of the blade. There is still some deeper oxidation peppering visible on the surface in areas. The rest of the blade however still has the polish in good condition, so the aspects of the blade can be appreciated. Blade length is approximately 24 inches and overall length of 35 1/4 inches. The katana has a handmade blade with a Futsu 普通 (regular) Nakago (tang) with an Haagari (asymmetrically rounded) nakago-jiri.

The HAMON (刃文 - temper line) is still very clear over most of the blade, and is a very attractive elongated CHOJI MIDARE (丁子乱れ - rregular clove tree flower) shape, which shimmers in the light. Along the transition there are clear NIE crystals visible, with cloudy NIOI in the body of the hamon. Due to the polishing and cleaning of the KISSAKI, the yokote and boshi are unfortunately no longer visible. We are not able to see any grain (HADA) in the blade, which is not uncommon for more recent blades.

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 tsuka (handle) has brass Imperial Army cherry blossom menuki (grip decorations), and a nice Kabuto-Gane (Pommel Cap), though the end loop is missing. 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 2 Seppa (spacers) around the cross guard to keep the fit tight. The tsuba has had a hitsu-ana slot added for a scabbard locking strap, which is no longer present.

The blade collar (habaki) is brass with a crosshatched surface texture, and is the standard shape usually seen on WWII production blades. The handle (tsuka) has a very nice stingray skin (Sa-Me) grip, with the correct golden brown Ito (cloth binding). The wrapping shows very minor wear with no real staining from use. There is a single wooden peg (mekugi), which is a recent replacement.

The Scabbard (saya) on this example is wood with a field cover, often seen on swords refit later in the war, as they required far less materials and production time. However in this case, the field cover is a rare example, made from brown rubberized canvas faux leather. This material was highly unstable and deteriorates over time, so they are very rare to find, especially in such good condition. The cover is sewn onto the scabbard, and cannot be removed. There is a metal KOIGUSHI scabbard mouth fitting on the wooden portion, and it is fitted with a brass hanger ring. There is a snap on one side that originally would have been attached to a leather strap around the handle, which is missing.

A very interesting handmade Japanese Type 98 Shin-gunto by a known maker with a rare rubberized canvas covered scabbard. This is a real USGI bring-back from WWII, ready to display and cherish!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 24"
Blade Style: Shinogi-Zukuri Katana
Overall length: 35 1/4“
Scabbard Length: 29 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.