Original Item: Only One Available. Purchased recently from a private collector, this is a very nice 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. 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.

This is a nice example, with a very nice arsenal-forged blade, which has a BO-HI (fuller), which helps to reduce the weight of the blade. It definitely is well made, and above some of the other arsenal made blades that we have seen. It is marked on the tang with the "cloverleaf" emblem of the Kokura Military Arsenal (小倉陸軍造兵廠 Kokura Rikugun Zōheishō), commonly known as the Kokura Arsenal (小倉工廠 Kokura Kōshō). This was a Japanese state owned-arsenal active from 1916 to 1945, and this is the first time we have seen a blade with this marking on it. The emblem was originally used by the Tokyo arsenal, and represents four stacked cannon balls viewed from above.

Offered in good condition, the blade is still quite sharp, and the polish is still relatively good, with a nice faux hamon. There are some areas of staining and light oxidation, as the blade was not properly oiled for decades. Blade length is approximately 25 5/8 inches and overall length 36 3/4 inches. The katana has a handmade blade with an arsenal style Futsu 普通 (regular) Nakago (tang) with Kuri-jiri (rounded) nakago-jiri (tang tip). It has geometric kissaki (tip), with a visible yokote, the polished in line that indicates the border between the tip and the rest of the blade.

The blade mountings are the classic later WWII era Type 98 Army Shin-Gunto style, brass with gilt accents. Rounded and perforated "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 bronze alloy, which still has the bright gilding present.

The handle (tsuka) has an nice stingray skin (Sa-Me) grip, which is almost fully intact. It has a complete Ito (cloth binding), which shows very little use or age. There is a single wooden securing peg (mekugi) still present, which looks to be a replacement. The Scabbard (saya) is steel and has some of the original paint intact. It has the correct single hanger loop of the Type 98. It does however have some denting and paint loss. The top fitting is inlet for the scabbard lock on the hilt. 

Overall in lovely lightly worn condition, a real USGI-bring back from WWII, ready to display and cherish!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 25 5/8"
Blade Style: Katana
Overall length: 36 3/4“
Scabbard Length: 28 1/4"

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.