Original Item: One of a Kind. Recently purchased from a private collector, this is a wonderfun USGI Bring-Back Imperial Japanese Army Officer Katana in the Type 98 Shin-Gunto (九八式軍刀 kyūhachi-shiki guntō) setting. 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 Type 98 pattern of fittings (koshirae) are slightly simplified compared to the earlier Type 94. The blade tang on this great example is signed by the maker, and was handmade in the traditional fashion in the 17th century! Even better, the name on the blade is very highly regarded in Japanese swordmaking history!

The blade on this example was hand forged in the traditional manner, and the tang of the blade is signed (Mei) with the characters 大 和 大 掾 藤 原 正 則 - YAMATO DAIJŌ FUJIWARA MASANORI. There were two smiths who used this particularly signature, which is mostly honorifics referring to their skill. Both were based in Echizen province (越前国, Echizen-no-kuni), and had a Master and Pupil relationship, and it was very common for the name to be passed down. The earlier Masanori was active in the early 17th Century, and is rated 50 by Hawley, while the second is rated 25 by Hawley, and at ¥5.5M by Toko Taikan. These are both quite highly rated smiths, making this a very desirable blade.

It has certainly been remounted several times, as was common for Japanese blades. This has removed the file marks (yasurime) on the tang, and is also why there are multiple holes in the tang. It has a lovely patina, only present on blades that are hundreds of years old. This has however also made the mei, or signature on the blade harder to read, and made the tagane (chisel marks) and tagane-makura (raised area around the mei) faint. The sword has also been shortened by the SURIAGE process, which removes the bottom of the tang to move the transition to the blade closer to the point. There is no way to shorten a Japanese blade from the tip due to the tempering, so it has to be done from the tang end. Most damage also occurs near the cross guard, so it allows the damage to be removed. The KIRI (cut) straight tang tip is the typical result of this process.

The blade of this katana is handmade and was expertly crafted by a sword maker, which is indicated by a few tell-tale characteristics that include:

- Multiple holes in the tang, with the older holes being 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.

- Visible KIZU (blade wounds) such as Ware lamination artifacts.

Offered in very good condition, the blade is still VERY sharp and has a great lightly used look. There are a few very small (1-2mm) edge bends and dents, but no major nicks or chips. There is also a bit of a dent at the very tip, which is extremely common with blades that saw real service. Overall the polish on the blade is very good, and it shows no evidence of having heavily cleaned or polished, which often makes blade aspects faint. There is however some scuffing and areas of light oxidation staining, however even with these the hamon can still be easily appreciated in the light. Blade length is approximately 27 1/2 inches and overall length 38 inches. The katana has a handmade blade with a Futsu Nakago (普通中心 -regular shaped tang) with a KIRI (cut) nakago-jiri (tang tip).

The HAMON (刃文) temper line is easily visible, and is a very attractive NOTARE (湾れ - wave / swell) shape, which shimmers in the light. Along the transition there are clear NIE crystals visible, with cloudy areas of NIOI in the body of the hamon. The body of the blade (JI) also shows hada (grain), which is a MASAME (柾目- straight) pattern. The blade has a proper kissaki (tip) with a faint yokote (division between body and tip), which is still clear in the light. The tip temper line (boshi) is faint but still visible, and is the YAKIZUME (no turnback) shape. The tip of the blade is also quite long compared to showa era blades, measuring just over 2 inches from the Yokote to the tip. A really great blade that would surely look incredible after a re-polish.

The blade mountings are the classic WWII era Type 98 Army Shin-Gunto style, brass with gilt accents, which as with most we see are now faded to an overall orange / brown patina. 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 4 metal Seppa (spacers) around the cross guard to keep the fit tight. The blade collar (habaki) is multi-piece brass with a "rain" pattern, often seen on older handmade blades.

The handle (tsuka) has a great stingray skin (Sa-Me) grip, with the correct golden brown Ito (cloth binding). There is some staining on the wrapping from sweat and oil, with a bit of fraying on the more raised portions. There is also a glued repair over one of the menuki. The embossed brass end loop of the tsuka is still present, and the single mekugi (peg) looks to be original.

The Scabbard (saya) on this example is wood, covered with a brown finished leather field cover, often seen on swords refit later in the war, as they required far less materials and production time. The cover is however in relatively poor condition, with the stitching split along almost the entire length, and the upper 4 inches or so missing. It has been secured with electrical tape, apparently long ago, as the adhesive is failing. There is also a brass hanger loop on a fitting, which is no longer attached firmly to the scabbard.

An incredible handmade Japanese Type 98 Shin-gunto with a rare double-fullered blade by a highly-ranked 17th century maker! This is a real USGI bring-back from WWII, ready to display and cherish!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 27 1/2"
Blade Style: Katana
Blade Shape: Shinogi-Zukuri
Overall length: 38“
Scabbard Length: 29 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.