Original Item: One of a Kind. Recently purchased at large military show, this is a great 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 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.

The blade on this example was hand forged in the traditional manner, and the tang of the blade is signed (Mei) with the characters 雲州 宍道 住 福島 善定 - UNSHUU SHINJI JU FUKUJIMA YOSHISADA. This translates to "Made by Fukujima Yoshisada near Shinji, Izumo Province", or something similar. This province is one of the most important to the Japanese Shinto religion, and during early Yamato Japanese history it was a very important center culture. Today it still has many of the most holy shrines in the religion. It borders on Lake Shinji (宍道湖, Shinji-ko), which is most likely what the mei on the sword references.

Yoshisada was active during the Showa Period, and looks to have been a very well regarded smith, making blades in the traditional fashion only. They were not based at one of the larger arsenal areas, so their swords were most likely only made to order. We have confirmed the signature (Oshigata) with other examples of his work. In 1942, Kurihara Hikosaburo ranked about 400 Showa Era smiths, and graded them into 7 different levels with 1 being the highest. Yoshisada is rated at level 5, 中作 (CHU SAKU or Medium work) = 上工の列 (Joko no Retsu or Good Work). They were also mentioned in the Modern Swordsmith Popularity Ranking (現代刀匠人氣番附 - Gendai Tosho Ninki Banzuke) organized in 1943 by the Japanese Sword Newspaper (日本刀劍新聞社 -Nihon Token Shinbunshi) under the Western Block. Most swords we get are made by smiths who are not ranked in any way, so to have one made by a notable swordsmith is a real treat!

The other side of the tang bears the date when the blade was produced, in the standard long form indicating years into the current emperor's reign: 昭 和 十 亖 年 十 月 日. This would be read: SHOWA (current reigning emperor) Juu-yon Nen (14th year of reign - 1939) Ju-gatsu (12th Month - December). Also notable is that an archaic alternate form of Yon was used, to avoid the connotation of death, as 四 can also be read as "Shi", the same pronunciation as 死 (Shi - Death).

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.

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

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

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

- Visible HADA (grain) in the body of the blade and lamination in the temper line.

- Visible KIZU (blade wounds) such as Ware lamination artifacts.

Offered in very good condition, the blade is still VERY sharp and looks great. The edge of the blade is mostly dent free, with just a few tiny edge bends and no chips or major issues. It does look to have had small drops of water or some other liquid splattered on the blade at one point, which has left white spots on both sides. Overall the polish on the blade is very good, and it shows no evidence of having heavily cleaned or polished, which often makes blade aspects faint. This means that the hamon temper line can be easily appreciated on this example! Blade length is approximately 24 inches and overall length 35 1/4 inches. The katana has a handmade blade with a Futsu Nakago (普通中心 -regular shaped tang) with a KURIJIRI (栗尻 -symmetrical rounded) nakago-jiri (tang tip).

The HAMON (刃文) temper line is easily visible, and is a very attractive and active SUGUHA ( 直刃 - Straight), which shimmers in the light. Along the transition there are clear NIE crystals visible, with cloudy areas of NIOI in the body of the hamon. There is a LOT of activity within the hamon, including what look to be CHIKEI (地影), which are dark lines that appear in the ji and hamon, as well as what may be INAZUMA (稲妻), which are lightning shaped light lines within the hamon. The body of the blade (JI) also shows hada (grain), which is a MASAME (柾目- straight) pattern. The blade has a proper kissaki (tip) with a clear yokote (division between body and tip), which is still clear. The tip temper line (boshi) is partly visible, so we are unable to tell what shape it is. This is really a great blade, with lots of aspects to enjoy.

The blade mountings are the classic WWII era Type 98 Army Shin-Gunto style, brass with gilt accents, which as with most we see are now faded to an overall orange / brown patina. It has the typical rounded "quince" (mokko gata) 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, as well as one made of leather, which has a scabbard lock strap attached to it threaded through the tsuba. The blade collar (habaki) is multi-piece copper, often seen on handmade blades from the Showa era.

The handle (tsuka) has a great stingray skin (Sa-Me) grip, with the correct light brown Ito (cloth binding). There is just a bit of very minor staining to the wrapping and no tears, so it does not look to have seen any significant use in the field. The end loop of the tsuka is not present, and the single mekugi (peg) looks to be original.

The Scabbard (saya) on this example is wood, covered with a brown finished leather field cover, often seen on swords refit later in the war, as they required far less materials and production time. The brown finish is very well retained, possibly having been touched up post war, and the top of the cover is secured by two snaps. It has a brass hanger loop and fitting under the cover, and also has a bras KOIGUCHI scabbard mouth fitting, though it has become detached over the years. There is a snap on the side of the cover that is intended to attach to the leather strap on the handle, however the leather has shrunk, so it no longer reaches. It is in very good condition, and has a great look!

An incredible handmade Japanese Type 98 Shin-gunto by a ranked maker, this is a real USGI bring-back from WWII, ready to display and cherish!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 24"
Blade Style: Katana
Blade Shape: Shinogi-Zukuri
Overall length: 35 1/4“
Scabbard Length: 28 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.