Original Item: One of a Kind. Recently purchased at a large military auction, this is a great USGI Bring-Back Japanese officer Wakizashi Short Sword in 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 in very good shape, and was 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.

With a blade 21 inches in length, this example is technically a wakizashi 脇差, "side inserted sword". It is however very close to Katana length, and has the same Shinogi-Zukuri blade shape seen on a Katana, so it would be considered an O-Wakizashi (大>脇差 or "large side inserted sword").

It was a common practice for swords to be passed down for generations, particularly ones that were of high quality. These would be re-polished and re-fit numerous times, as steel was precious and swords were expensive. This continued up into WWII, which is how this blade found it's way into standard WWII "Shin-Gunto" fittings, with a locking scabbard. There also was an official Japanese program during the war for families with no sons to donate their swords towards the war effort.

The blade on this example was hand forged in the 17th century, as indicated by the signature on the tang of the blade: 筑 前 住 源 信 国 吉 政, which is written top to bottom and reads CHIKUZEN JU MINAMOTO NOBUKUNI YOSHIMASA. The first part of the signature is more of a title than a location, as would often be given. It indicates that they were active in Chikuzen province. Research indicates that there were three generations of smiths using the name Yoshimasa in Chikuzen, all during the 17th Century. This signature is similar to all of them, but not quite exact, however this is not uncommon during an era where records were not kept all the time.

All three generations of Yoshimasa were members of the 筑紫信國 (Tsukushi Nobukuni) school, and are all highly ranked by the Toko Taikan, ranging from ¥3M to ¥4M on their rating scale. They are also highly rated by Hawley and Fujishiro. A well-made blade that has definitely survived the ages well!

The blade is handmade and was expertly crafted long ago by a sword maker, which is indicated by a few tell-tale characteristics that include:

- The hole in the tang is punched and not drilled.

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

- Blade has lamination visible in the body (JI) as well as edge (HA) of the blade, including HADA (grain) on the ji.

- Blade has a proper geometric Yokote at the tip (kissaki) with a Boshi (tip temper line)

Offered in very good condition, the blade is still sharp and looks great. There are a few dents on the edge, only about 1mm deep. Overall the polish on the blade is very good, with just a few areas of wear and scuffing, as well as a bit of light oxidation. Blade length is approximately 21 inches and overall length 32 inches. This classifies the sword as a long wakizashi (Japanese: 脇差, "side inserted [sword]"), which is a shorter version of the Katana, with a blade length between 12 and 24 in. Katanas must be longer than 2 shaku (Japanese: 尺), which is approximately 12 inches in length. We have seen a few wakizashi before in Shin-Gunto fittings, most likely family blades. As with the others it is almost katana length, so it would have worked fine for this purpose.

The katana has a handmade blade with a Futsu 普通 (regular) Nakago (tang) with a Haagari (asymmetrical rounded) nakago-jiri (tang tip). It has a proper kissaki (tip) with a clear yokote (division between body and tip). The temper line (hamon) is fully visible, and is a very attractive SUGUHA (straight) shape. There are Nie crystals visible with a magnifying glass at the temper line, and the correct NIOI cloudy areas of crystals. The BOSHI (tip temper line) is visible, and looks to be an OOMARU (large turn back) style. The body of the blade (JI) shows grain (hada), which is the standard straight (MASAME) type.

The blade mountings are the classic later WWII era Type 98 Army Shin-Gunto style, brass with gilt accents. Rounded "quince" shaped tsuba (cross guard) with brass Imperial Army cherry blossom menuki (grip decoration), 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 4 metal Seppa (spacers) around the cross guard to keep the fit tight. There is also a leather one, which has been repaired, used to attach to the scabbard cover. It has shrunk, so the cross guard is a bit loose. The blade collar (habaki) looks to be the standard brass alloy.

The handle (tsuka) has an nice stingray skin (Sa-Me) grip, which is fully intact. It has a complete Ito (cloth binding), which shows moderate use and staining. There is a single wooden securing peg (mekugi) still present, which looks to be a replacement. The Scabbard (saya) is a standard wood type covered with a leather field cover. It has a single metal hanger ring. The leather cover is in good shape, showing only light service wear to the leather itself, with some small scuffs and tears. The stitching has held up very well, and during the post war period, someone made a new leather portion on the seppa to snap onto the cover.

An incredible Japanese Type 98 Shin-gunto Wakizahi with a 17th Century handmade blade! This is a real USGI bring-back from WWII, ready to display and cherish!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 21”
Blade Style: Wakizashi
Overall length: 32"
Scabbard Length: 28"

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.