Original Item: One of a Kind. Recently purchased at a large military auction, this is a great USGI Bring-Back Japanese officer Wakizashi Short Sword in simplified 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.

We had this sword examined, and we believe this example dates from the Muromachi period (室町時代 Muromachi jidai) of 1336 to 1573, during the later circa 1550. This is part of the period of Japanese swordmaking known as Kotō (古刀"old swords"), the the type of swords that later smiths treated as the goal they needed to achieve. The "cut" tang of the blade, which also shows a shinogi blade ridge, indicates that this sword was originally longer, possibly by as much as 6 inches, so it was probably made as a katana. The "yasurime" file marks on the tang are completely gone, and it has a patina indicating great age.

Blades usually suffered the most damage close to the cross guard, and there were limits to how much polishing could be done to reshape the blade. It was often easier to shorten the cutting edge of the blade past the point of the damage, and this also meant that the tang would become longer, and need to be cut down. This process is know as "suriage", and this sword has definitely been cut down. Unfortunately this also removed the area where it would have been signed, so it is now considered 無名 (mumei), or "anonymous".

It was also a common practice for swords to be passed down for generations, particularly ones that were of high quality. These would be re-polished and re-fit numerous times, as steel was precious and swords were expensive. This continued up into WWII, which is possibly how this blade found it's way into simplified WWII "Shin-Gunto" fittings. There also was an official Japanese program during the war for families with no sons to donate their swords towards the war effort.

The blade is ancient and handmade and expertly crafted by a master sword maker due to a few tell tale characteristics that include:

- Punched (not drilled) hole in tang, which shows great age, having been shortened into the original body of the blade.

- Vibrant visible temper line (hamon) at the edge of the blade with crystals visible as well as lots of activity.

- Blade shows clear "Hada" or grain, caused by the layers in the folded steel.

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

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

Offered in very attractive condition, polish on the blade is still very good, and it looks great! There are a few areas of staining and some light scuffing, but no major oxidation damage or other issues to note. It is still quite sharp, so care should be taken when handling the blade. There are some small dents and nicks on the blade, including a small chip near the tip of the blade.

Blade length is approximately 18 5/8 inches and overall length 28 3/4 inches. This classifies the sword as a long wakizashi (Japanese: 脇差, "side inserted [sword]"), which is a shorter version of the Katana, with a blade length between 12 and 24 in. Katanas must be longer than 2 shaku (Japanese: 尺), which is approximately 12 inches in length. We have seen a few wakizashi before in Shin-Gunto fittings, most likely family blades. As the length is on the longer side, and the blade is the "Shinogi-Zukuri" shape, some would term this an "O-Wakizashi".

The Shin-Gunto has a handmade blade with a Futsu 普通 (regular) Nakago (tang) with a KIRI (cut) nakago-jiri (tang tip). It has a vibrant temper line (HAMON), which is visible along the entire edge of the blade. The shape is a very attractive NOTARE MIDARE (湾れ乱れ - irregular wave like), which shimmers in the light. There is visible NIE crystallization at the edge of the temper line easily visible, as well as the correct NIOI cloudiness in the hamon. There is also lots of internal activity, such as lamination swirls and other aspects.

The blade body (JI) also has MOKUME HADA (杢目肌 - Wood Burl Grain) which can be early seen in the light. There are some areas of wear and light scuffing, but the kissaki (tip) still shows a mostly clear YOKOTE with visible BOSHI (tip temper line), though we cannot quite see what shape it is. The blade has various KIZU (blade wounds), including WARE , which are lamination seams from the forging process, and there are also FUKURE carbon pits. which are inclusions from joining the pieces of steel together. This is really a great blade, with lots of aspects to enjoy. With the long delay for traditional togishi polishing, blades like this that are ready to display and appreciate are definitely in demand.

The blade mountings are the classic WWII era Type 98 Army Shin-Gunto style, brass with gilt accents, which are actually still partly retained on many of the fittings. It has the typical 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 6 metal Seppa (spacers) around the cross guard to keep the fit tight. All are inlet for the scabbard locking strap. The blade collar (habaki) is made from multiple pieces of copper, and is typical of the type we usually see on older blades.

The handle (tsuka) has a great stingray skin (Sa-Me) grip, with the correct golden brown Ito (cloth binding). There is just a bit of minor staining to the wrapping and a few small tears, and it does not look to have seen any significant use in the field. There is an embossed and gilt brass hanger ring through the end of the tsuba, and the single mekugi (peg) looks to be original.

The Scabbard (saya) on this example is wood, covered with a brown leather field cover, often seen on swords refit later in the war, as they required far less materials and production time. We can see that the scabbard has a slot for a kogatana accessory knife, so it was probably the one that came with the wakizashi. This type of cover was sewn directly around the scabbard, and has a leather securing loop for the brass hanging loop. There is also a leather strap with a buckle on it, which can be used to secure the scabbard to a hole in the tsuba.

A great Japanese Type 98 Shin-gunto Wakizashi with an Ancient handmade blade! This is a real USGI bring-back from WWII, ready to display and cherish!

Specifications:-
Blade Length: 18 5/8”
Blade Style: Wakizashi - Shinogi-Zukuri
Overall length: 28 3/4"
Scabbard Length: 23"

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.