Original Item: One of a Kind. Recently purchased at an estate sale, this is a great USGI Bring-Back 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. 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, and the tang of the blade is signed (Mei) with the characters 備 州 住 竹 内 兼 正 作, which is read BISHU JU TAKEUCHI KANEMASA SAKU. This translates to "Made by Takeuchi Kanemasa in Bishu Province", where "Takeuchi" is the smith's surname, and "Kanemasa" their "swordsmith name." Their given name was 竹内 兼三郎 (Takeuchi Kanesaburou). They were a known smith, and Hawley rates them at an 8. Takeuchi Kanemasa was a winner of the Shinsaku Nihonto Denrankai held in 1941 but missed in Hikosaburo's Tosho Banzuke. They were rated 新進 (Shinshin or Up-and-Coming), having only having been approved as a smith in 1940.

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 二 十 年 二 月.  This would be read: SHOWA (current reigning emperor) Juu-Ni Nen (20th year of reign - 1945) Ni Gatsu (2nd Month - February). 

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 is signed on the tang by the maker ("Mei"), as well as dated on the reverse

- 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

- Blade wounds "Kizu" such as "fukure" (carbon pits) and "ware" lamination lines.

Offered in very good condition, the blade is still sharp and looks great. There are no nicks on the edge or dents. Overall the polish on the blade is very good, with some areas of light staining and light oxidation, probably from contact with the scabbard. There is one spot that may have started from a fukure carbon pit or a ware. Blade length is approximately 26 inches and overall length 36 1/2 inches. The katana has a handmade blade with a Futsu 普通 (regular) Nakago (tang) with Haagari (asymmetrical rounded) nakago-jiri (tang tip). 

The blade also has a proper kissaki (tip) with a clear yokote (division between body and tip) and boshi (tip temper line). The main edge Temper line (hamon) is fully visible, and is a very attractive rapid CHOJI MIDARE (Irregular Clover-tree Leaf). Along the transition there are clear NIE crystals visible, with cloudy areas of NIOI, including some lines of ASHI. The body of the blade (JI) also shows hada (grain), which is the masame (straight) pattern.

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 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 the standard gold colored bronze alloy.

The handle (tsuka) has an nice shark skin shagreen grip, which is fully intact. It has a complete olive green Ito (cloth binding), which shows only light wear. There is a single wooden securing peg (mekugi) still present, which looks to be a period replacement. The Scabbard (saya) is steel over wood, and in very good condition, with almost all of the original textured brown paint intact. It has only a few small dents and scrapes, and has the correct single hanger loop of the Type 98 style. The top fitting is inleted for the scabbard lock on the hilt, and the lock works correctly.

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

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 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.