Original Item: One of a Kind. Recently purchased at a military show, this is a very nice 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. 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 example has an arsenal forged blade, which like many is unsigned 無名 (mumei), or "anonymous", and has a simulated faux hamon temper line, probably acid etched. The tang of the blade is quite long, angular, and has THREE mounting holes in it, definitely something we do not see every day.

Offered in very good condition, the blade is still quite sharp and has a great service used look. It has some oxidation staining on the half of the blade closest to the tip, now partly polished out by cleaning. This definitely looks like a blade that was "really there", not just sitting in an arsenal. There are just a few tiny bends on the edge of the blade, so it was definitely not abused. Blade length is approximately 25 1/4 inches and overall length 37 inches.

The katana has an arsenal produced blade with a Futsu 普通 (regular) Nakago (tang) with an Iriyamagata (asymmetrical pointed) nakago-jiri. The replicated temper line is only really visible in the light due to cleaning, and it was originally somewhat wavy, probably a GUNOME (zig zag) type. The wear to the polish has unfortunately removed the yokote and boshi, if the blade had one. Of interest is that the KISSAKI, or tip of the blade is quite elongated. It almost looks like it may not have one, in which case the blade shape would be the much less common SHOBU-ZUKURI. Definitely some interesting aspects to this blade.

The blade mountings are the classic later WWII era Type 98 Army Shin-Gunto style, brass with gilt accents, which are well retained. These include a perforated rounded MOKKO GATA "quince" shaped tsuba (cross guard), usually only seen on high grade fittings. There are also brass Imperial Army cherry blossom menuki (grip decorations), and a nice Kabuto-Gane (Pommel Cap), with a brass loop. 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 is a single brass seppa (spacer) on the top of the tsuba, while the fuchi has an integral seppa on the other side, which keep the grip and cross guard tight. These are inlet for a scabbard lock, which is still intact and functional. The blade collar (habaki) is silvered brass, and is the standard shape usually seen on WWII production blades.

The handle (tsuka) has a nice stingray skin (Sa-Me) grip, with the correct golden brown Ito (cloth binding). The feel and texture of the stingray skin definitely look to be real, and not the imitation plastic type often used. The grip wrapping is definitely a bit worn, and has paint or some other substance on it in one area. There is a single wooden securing peg (mekugi) still present in the upper peg hole (mekugi-ana), which is a post war replacement, while the lower peg hole is empty.

The tsuba, seppa, fuchi, and koiguchi (throat) of the scabbard are all marked with matching number 5, which means that these fittings (koshirae) were made for this particular blade. We were not able to find any marking on the Tsuka, but it may have worn away.

The Scabbard (saya) is steel over wood, and in very good condition, with almost all of the original textured brown paint intact. There is some missing paint from wear and scratching, but only in a few small areas. It has the correct single hanger loop of the Type 98 style, and the top fitting is inlet for the scabbard lock on the hilt, which is fully functional. There is not any major denting or oxidation we can see.

A great service used Japanese Type 98 Shin-gunto Katana with scabbard, this is a real USGI bring-back from WWII, ready to display and cherish!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 25 1/4"
Blade Style: Katana - Shinogi-zukuri or Shobu-zukuri
Overall length: 37“
Scabbard Length: 27 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.