Original Item: One of a Kind. Recently purchased at a large military auction, this is a very nice USGI Bring-Back wartime production high grade handmade 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 濃 州 関 住 藤 原 兼 道 作, which is read NOSHU SEKI JU FUJIWARA KANEMICHI SAKU. This translates to "Made by Fujiwara Kanemichi at Seki (Arsenal) in Noshu (Mino) Province", where "Fujiwara" is more of an honorary title, and is one of the legendary clans of Japan. Also known as 小島兼道 (Kojima Kanemichi), their given name was 小島 時二郎 (Kojima Tokijirou). They were a somewhat notable smith, having studied under Watanabe Kanenaga as well as Kojima Katsumasa. Hawley rates them at an 8, and Toko Taikan rates them at ¥2M.

In 1942, Kurihara Hikosaburo ranked about 400 Showa Era smiths, and graded them into 7 different levels with 1 being the highest. Kanemichi is rated at level 3, 上作 (JO SAKU or Good work) = 貴品の列 (Kibin no Retsu or Valuable Work). Blades by this smith are very well made. The blade also bears the Showa 昭 Arsenal Stamp, indicating production by an approved smith working at arsenal.

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 advanced shape

- Blade is signed on the tang by the maker ("Mei"), who is highly rated and known to make traditionally made blades.

- Blade has a proper geometric Yokote at the tip (kissaki)

Offered in good condition, the blade is still sharp, however this looks to be due to post arsenal sharpening. There is a sizeable chip about 1mm at the deepest and about 4mm long. This looks to be a sword that saw service, and possibly had to be reconditioned in the field in a non-traditional manner. The perforated crossguard is also indicative of a high grade blade, so this is a sword that has had quite a history in the field.

Blade length is approximately 26 inches and overall length 37 1/4 inches. The katana has a handmade blade with a Futsu 普通 (regular) Nakago (tang) with Haagari (asymmetrical rounded) nakago-jiri (tang tip). It has a proper kissaki (tip), however the yokote cannot be seen, only felt. Temper line (hamon) is very faint, and can only be seen by looking at the refletion on the blade. However, it looks to be a very attractive and somewhat rare 三盆杉 - Three Cedars, which has repeating undulations, with every third being taller than the rest. With a proper polish this blade would most likely look great.

The blade mountings are the classic later WWII era Type 98 Army Shin-Gunto style, brass with gilt accents. These included a perforated high grade 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 5 Seppa (spacers) around the cross guard to keep the fit tight, and all are inleted for the scabbard lock, which is still present. The blade collar is definitely non standard, and is made of bent sheet copper, which reinforces our belief that this sword had to be repaired or reconditioned in the field.

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 wear, with some staining and light fraying. There is a single wooden securing peg (mekugi) still present, which looks to be a period replacement. There is also a second peg hole, so this handle may have originally been on a different blade. The Scabbard (saya) has a wood body, with a single brass hanger ring. It has a sewn on leather field cover, and is not inletted for the scabbard lock. Condition is definitely worn from the field and probably storage.

A very nice Japanese Type 98 Shin-gunto by a well-known maker, refit and reconditioned in the field for further service. This is a real USGI bring-back from WWII, ready to display and cherish!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 26"
Blade Style: Katana
Overall length: 37 1/4“
Scabbard Length: 29"

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.