Original Item: One of a Kind. ;Recently purchased at a large military auction, 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 兼 隆 之 作, which is read KANETAKA KORE SAKU. This translates to "Kanetaka Made This", and this is one of the standard ways swordsmiths use to sign swords. Their are two smiths listed as using this "Swordsmith name" and they are both listed as being active during the Showa Period in Gifu / Mino province, and worked at Seki 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 are punched and not drilled.

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

- Blade has lamination visible, including some Kizu (Blade wounds) such as "WARE", which only happen on laminated steel blades.

- 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)

Offered in very good condition condition, the blade is still sharp and looks great. There are no nicks we can see in the edge, and just one tiny slight dent. Overall the polish on the blade is good, though there are some areas of staining and scuffing, and overall cleaning has made the temper line less prominent. Blade length is approximately 21/2 inches and overall length 35 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) with a clear yokote (division between body and tip). Temper line (hamon) is fully visible, and is a very attractive MIDARE (Irregular) with areas of NOTARE (Wave) and GUNOME (Zig Zag).

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 is also a MON crest on the Pommel Cap, which looks to be a large circle surrounded by 8 smaller ones. This is similar to one of the crests use by the Uesugi clan. 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 nickel plated copper.

The handle (tsuka) has an nice stingray skin (Sa-Me) grip, which is fully intact, though the skin has shrunk a bit. It has a complete Ito (cloth binding), which shows wear and staining from sweat and hand oils. There is a single wooden securing peg (mekugi) still present, which looks to be original. The Scabbard (saya) on this example is lightweight aluminum over wood and in very nice condition, with much of the original paint intact. It does not have any major dents or damage we can see, and has the correct single hanger loop of the Type 98 style. The top fitting is inleted for the scabbard lock on the hilt.

The tang of this katana is marked with both red and white paint, each with different numbers. The white paint reads 二 五 三 六, which are the Japanese numbers 2536. In red paint it is marked 八六〇 or 860. The end of the tsuka, the tsuba, and all 8 seppa are marked with western numbers 1 6. We are not sure why they are numbered this way, but we do not doubt that these fittings were made specifically for this blade, as they are a nearly perfect fit.

Attached to the pommel cap loop is a Brown and Blue colored Tassel, which has somewhat worn from use and age.. This signifies that this was carried by a "company grade" officer, which would be a Lieutenant or Captain rank. It is in good condition and totally correct.

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

Specifications:
Blade Length: 24 1/8”
Blade Style: Katana
Overall length: 35“
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.