Original Item: One of a Kind. Recently purchased at a military show, this is a an interesting 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.

At some point, possibly during the war, the entire sword looks to have been exposed to moisture / water, which led to the blade, scabbard, and a lot of the fittings becoming rusty or deteriorating. It was then refit post war, with the scabbard being repainted, and the handle being entirely re-wrapped with black plastic faux rayskin. The blade, which apparently had a lot of rust, was buffed to remove the rust, but this removed a lot of material and it no longer had the proper blade geometry. There is just a remnant of the original temper line visible.

The blade on this example was hand forged, and the tang of the blade is signed (Mei) with the characters 永 光 作, which is read as NAGAMITSU SAKU, or "Nagamitsu Made This." Research indicates that this smith's real name was 遠藤 永光 (Endo Nagamitsu), and they are listed in Kurihara Hikosaburo's 1942 listing of Wartime Japanese swordsmiths (tosho). He reported about 400 gunto tosho's ranking at the Tosho Banzuke (刀匠番附), and classified these into 7 ranks. NAGAMITSU is listed as a 中下作 (CHUGE SAKU) level smith, which is one the 6th rank, out of 7, an "average" level smith.

Offered in good service worn condition, the blade is still somewhat sharp, but definitely has wear. Blade length is approximately 26 1/8 inches and overall length 37 1/2 inches. The katana has a handmade blade with a Futsu 普通 (regular) Nakago (tang) with Haagari (asymmetrical rounded) nakago-jiri (tang tip). Where the hamon can still be seen by holding the blade in the light, it is a GUNOME (zig zag) shape. The yokoto, bosshi, and other aspects of the tip are completely removed.

The blade mountings are the classic later WWII era Type 98 Army Shin-Gunto style, brass with a now oxidized patina. 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 unfortunately has the end catch broken off. The blade collar (habaki) looks to be nickel plated brass.

The handle (tsuka) has been rewrapped with a new cloth binding over the plastic faux stingray skin. There is a single wooden securing peg (mekugi) still present, which looks to be a replacement. The Scabbard (saya) is steel over wood, and was repainted after the past oxidation was removed. The internal wood looks to be degraded due to moisture. It has the correct single hanger loop of the Type 98 style.

A very nice Japanese Type 98 Shin-gunto by a known maker, refit post war after some serious rust damage. This is a real USGI bring-back from WWII, ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 26 1/8"
Blade Style: Katana
Overall length: 37 1/2“
Scabbard Length: 28 3/4"

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.