Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fantastic WWII Pacific Theater Bring Back item! We just purchased this from a former marine who was now retired and looking to downsize items they had no use for. This katana was an item they themselves had received from a WWII Veteran Marine some 30 years ago. The story they received with the sword was that it was captured on one of the Pacific islands they had visited during part of the WWII "Island Hopping". Unfortunately after 30 years, the exact island where it was captured is no longer remembered, but the sword is completely consistent with a late WWII pattern Shin-gunto katana.

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. These are not made as carefully or to as high of a standard as the earlier blades, which makes them a very economical way to get into Japanese sword collecting. This is a very nice example, and appears to have seen very little use in combat.

The katana itself measures 37 1/4 inches overall, with a 26 inch blade, and does have a visible Hamon (temper line), though these were often acid etched on non-traditionally made blades. These were often purchased to avoid taking a priceless family sword into service outside of Japan. The polish on the blade is still good, though there are areas of staining and scuffing. The blade is still quite sharp, and the edge nick free, except for on the tip. The tang of the blade (nakago) is the typical futsu (普通 normal) shape of the period, with a Irayamagata (symmetrically pointed) tip and the usual file marks (yasuri-me), which help the tang stay secure in the handle.

The fittings are typical of what we see on late war katanas during the WWII period, with a brass 'mokko gata" quince shaped tsuba (cross guard), with a single seppa (spacer). It has both Hitsu-ana (accessory holes) for both the Kozuka (kogatana handle) and kogai (hair ornament). The Tsuka (handle) has an excellent stingray (Sa-Me) grip panels, covered with complete Ito (cloth binding), which is in very good condition. The fuchi (grip collar) and kashira (end cap) are both brass and match well. A single original peg secures the handle to the tang.

The scabbard is black finished wood and is contained in a standard WWII type leather field cover, with the correct type of snaps and stitching pattern. There was originally a hanger ring attached to a leather strap just under the top. however that part has broken off. There is also a securing strap, now broken off from the handle, still attached to the snap on the cover, with some very old masking tape wrapped around it. It matches the leather loop around the end of the handle.

A great chance to pick up a real Japanese WWII Sword, captured from one of the Pacific Islands! Ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 26"
Blade Style: Katana
Overall length: 36 1/2“
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 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.