Original Item: One of a Kind. Recently purchased at an estate sale, 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. It also has a very nice rank tassel attached to the pommel.

The blade on this example was hand forged, and the tang of the blade is signed (Mei) with the characters 前 川 兼 継, read as MAEGAWA KANETSUGU. Research indicates that this smith's real name was 前川 源一 (Maegawa Gen'ichi), so in this case "Maegawa" was their family name, and "Kanetsugu" their "swordsmith name." We have seen many other smiths sign their swords in this fashion. Their name appears in the Seki Tanrensho Booklet printed in 1939, and this name is listed among the 209 swordsmiths listed as working in the Seki area in 1944 by Yoshiara & Kapp. Kanetsugu was active during the Showa Period and worked at Seki arsenal in Gifu, Mino Province (美濃国), and looks to have made both arsenal forged and traditional blades. We have confirmed the signature (Oshigata) with other examples of his work.

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.

Offered in very good lightly used condition, the blade is still sharp and looks great. There are just a few tiny dents on the edge of the blade, with minor scuffing from use. Overall the polish on the blade is very good, with all aspects fully visible, and just a bit of degradation from cleaning and wear. Blade length is approximately 25 1/2 inches and overall length 36 3/8 inches. The katana has a handmade blade with a Futsu 普通 (regular) Nakago (tang) with Naagari (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 YAHAZU (notched) shape. Along the transition there are clear NIE crystals visible, with cloudy areas of NIOI in the body of the hamon, and some nice activity. The body of the blade (JI) also shows hada (grain), which is a faint MASAME (straight) pattern. The tip temper line (boshi) is visible, and is the YAKIZUME (no turnback) type.

The blade mountings are the classic WWII era Type 98 Army Shin-Gunto style, brass with gilt accents, which are well retained. 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, and all are inlet for a strap type scabbard lock, which is unfortunately broken, as the strap is missing. The blade collar (habaki) is brass plated copper, and is the standard shape usually seen on WWII production blades.

The handle (tsuka) has an nice shark skin shagreen (Sa-Me) grip, with the correct Ito (cloth binding). The wrapping shows only light wear, with a few areas of minor staining from use and storage, and no areas of fraying. There is a single wooden securing peg (mekugi) still present, which looks to be a post war replacement. The end of the tsuka has a bent steel hanger, which may be a wartime replacement.

The Scabbard (saya) is a standard black lacquered wood type, covered with a leather field cover, which is also finished black. It has a single metal hanger ring with a swivel, though it looks like it may have been replace post war, as there is some glue present as well. The leather cover is in good shape, showing wear and some tears from service and decades of age and storage. The snap for the scabbard lock is still present, but the strap is completely gone.

Attached to the pommel cap loop is a Brown and Blue colored Tassel, which is in very good shape, with just a bit of fading. This signifies that this was carried by a "company grade" officer, which would be a Lieutenant or Captain rank. It is in very good condition and totally correct.

An incredible handmade 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: 25 1/2"
Blade Style: Katana
Overall length: 36 3/8“
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.