Original Item: Only One Available. Purchased at a recent large military auction, this is a very nice wartime production high grade 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. 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 is a very nice example, though it does show much use from service on the fittings and blade.

The blade on this example appears to be handmade in the traditional fashion. Additionally, it is VERY long, probably one of the longest Katanas we have seen, with a 28 1/2 inch cutting edge on the blade, and an overall length of 40 inches.  Even the scabbard is longer than the standard 29 inches at 31 1/4. This must have been made for a rather tall officer.

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")

- Clear lamination lines on the blade.

Offered in very good condition, the blade is still mostly sharp, however there are some significant nicks in the HA (edge), though they do not go through the hamon. The overall polish is good, though there is light oxidation in a few places. Blade length is approximately 28 1/2 inches and overall length of 40 inches. The katana has a handmade blade with a Futsu 普通 (regular) Nakago (tang) with an Haagari (asymmetrical rounded) nakago-jiri (tang tip). It has geometric kissaki (tip), with a clear yokote (division between the tip and blade) and boshi (tip temper line). 

The blade has a visible vibrant Hamon (temper line) which is of the SUGU (straight) type, however there is activity within the tempered edge, including lamination and undulation of the grain.

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 8 Seppa (spacers) around the cross guard to keep the fit tight, and all are inleted for the scabbard lock, which is fully functional. The blade collar (habaki) looks to be bronze alloy, with no plating as often seen, though it may have worn off.

The handle (tsuka) has an nice stingray skin (Sa-Me) grip, which is fully intact. It has a complete Ito (cloth binding), which is in great shape, with only light wear. There is a single wooden securing peg (mekugi) still present, which looks to be a post war replacement. The Scabbard (saya) is steel and in very nice condition, with much of the original paint intact, though it is worn through to the primer coat in areas. It has only a few small dents, and has the correct single hanger loop of the Type 98 style. However, the hanger fitting is not the usual style, probably due to the extra long scabbard having to be custom made. The top fitting is inleted for the scabbard lock on the hilt.

The Number 3 is stamped into all eight of the seppa and the fuchi, indicating that this was an original matched set made to go together with this particular sword. The tsuba is marked 16, and the lock is marked 8, but it could also be a 3. There may have been paint markings on the tang of the blade, but they are no longer visible, and wear and oxidation on the tsuka and saya make seeing any numbers impossible. However we do not doubt that these fittings were matched specifically for this blade

Overall in lovely condition, with an extra long blade and scabbard, a real USGI-bring back from WWII, ready to display and cherish!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 28 1/2"
Blade Style: Katana
Overall length: 40“
Scabbard Length: 31 1/4"

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.