Original Item: One of a Kind. Recently purchased at a 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 appears to be handmade in the traditional fashion, and has a lovely temper line. 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 blade on this example was hand forged, and has a cherry blossom stamp with 昭 (Showa) inside, indicating acceptance at the Seki Arsenal in Gifu, Mino Province. This area has a centuries long history of sword making. The tang is unsigned 無名 (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.

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 has a faint geometric Yokote at the tip (kissaki) with a Boshi (tip temper line)

- Blade surface shows grain (hada) from the steel layers

- Blade shows wounds (kizu), only possible on traditionally forged blades.

Offered in very good condition, the blade is still quite sharp and looks great. It shows very little wear of any kind, just a bit of light staining and scuffing, though it is missing about 3mm of the tip, which looks to have chipped off long ago. The temper line is still fully visible, showing it has not been cleaned or used much since the arsenal polishing. Blade length is approximately 25 1/4 inches and overall length 35 3/4 inches.

The katana has a handmade blade with a Futsu 普通 (regular) Nakago (tang) with an Iriyamagata (asymmetrical pointed) nakago-jiri. The temper line is fully visible, and is a very attractive and active GUNOME zig zag shape, almost looking like the teeth of a saw in places. Along the transition there are clear NIE crystals visible, with cloudy areas of NIOI in the body of the hamon, and some nice activity, including some ASHI. The yokote denoting the start of the kissaki (tip) is clear, and the shape has the proper geometry, except for the chipped off part. The BOSHI (tip temper line) is visible, and is the KOMARU (small turn back) type. There are also some KIZU (blade wounds) in the form of WARE (lamination lines) visible.

The blade mountings are the classic high grade WWII era Type 98 Army Shin-Gunto style, brass with gilt accents. The rounded perforated "quince" shaped tsuba (cross guard) indicates it was made for a higher rank officer. The tsuka (handle) has brass Imperial Army cherry blossom menuki (grip decorations), and a nice Kabuto-Gane (Pommel Cap). 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 3 metal Seppa (spacers) around the cross guard to keep the fit tight, and all are inlet for the scabbard lock, which is present and functional. The blade collar (habaki) is gilt brass, and is the standard shape usually seen on WWII production blades.

The handle has an excellent stingray skin (Sa-Me) grip, with the correct Ito (cloth binding), which is also in great condition, with only minor wear. There is a single wooden securing peg (mekugi) still present, which looks to be a post war replacement. There is no metal or rope loop through the kabuto-gane end fitting.

The Scabbard (saya) is steel over wood, and in excellent condition, with virtually all of the original textured paint still intact. There are just a few small scratches and dents keeping it from being unissued. It has the correct single hanger loop of the Type 98 style, and the top fitting is inleted for the scabbard lock on the hilt, which is fully functional. The tan and gilt highlights on the fittings is still mostly intact, a true rarity.

A great handmade Japanese Type 98 Shin-gunto that saw only minor use during the war, this is a real USGI bring-back from WWII, ready to display and cherish!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 25 1/4"
Blade Style: Katana
Overall length: 35 3/4“
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.