Original Item: One of a Kind. Recently purchased at a large military auction, this is a great USGI Bring-Back 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 in very good shape, and was 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 is handmade and was expertly crafted by a wartime sword maker, which is indicated by a few tell-tale characteristics that include:

- The hole in the tang (mekugi-ana) is punched and not drilled.

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

- Blade has lamination visible in the body (JI) as well as edge (HA) of the blade, including HADA (grain) on the ji.

- The Blade has lamination artifacts or "blade wounds" (kizu) such as fukure (carbon pits), only possible on traditionally made blades.

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

There is no signature on this blade, so it is considered 無名 (mumei), or "anonymous".

Offered in very good condition, the blade is still sharp and looks great. There are just a few tiny dents on the edge, without any notches or chips. Overall the polish on the blade is very good, with just a few areas of wear and scuffing, as well as a bit of light oxidation. Blade length is approximately 25 3/4 inches and overall length 36 3/4 inches. The katana has a handmade blade with a Futsu 普通 (regular) Nakago (tang) with a Haagari (asymmetrical rounded) nakago-jiri (tang tip). There is a bit of surface rust from contact with the wood of the handle.

It has a proper kissaki (tip) with a clear yokote (division between body and tip). The temper line (hamon) is fully visible, and is a very attractive SUGU (notched) shape, with just a bit of a NOTARE (wave) aspect. There are Nie crystals visible with a magnifying glass at the temper line, and the correct NIOI cloudy areas of crystals. The BOSHI (tip temper line) is visible, and it is the KOMARU (small turn back) type. The body of the blade (JI) shows grain (hada), which is the standard straight (MASAME) type.

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 6 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) is nickel plated brass, the standard type usually seen on WWII production blades.

The handle (tsuka) has an nice stingray skin (Sa-Me) grip, which is fully intact, with at a complete Ito (cloth binding), which shows minimal wear. There is a single wooden securing peg (mekugi) still present, which looks to be original, though it is broken, with about 40% missing. The Scabbard (saya) on this example is lightweight aluminum over wood and in excellent condition, with almost all of the original paint intact. Aluminum scabbards are usually only seen on high grade blades, such as this one. 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. It also has the remnants of a leather scabbard cover, which are in VERY delicate condition due to dry rot.

The tsuka, tsuba, and all four spacers are all marked with matching number 三 (3), and the tsuka also is marked with 十 (10), matching the marking painted on the tang. This indicates that this set of KOSHIRAE (fittings) are a matched set, all made for this specific blade.

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

Specifications:
Blade Length: 25 3/4”
Blade Style: Katana
Overall length: 36 3/4"
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.