Original WWII Japanese Type 98 Shin-Gunto Katana with Handmade Edo Period Blade, Leather Handle Cover, Steel Scabbard, and Company Grade Tassel

Item DescriptionOriginal Item: One of a Kind. Recently purchased at a large military show, this is very interesting USGI Bring-Back Japanese officer Katana in 'High Grade' Type 98 Shin-Gunto (九八式軍刀 kyūhachi-shiki guntō) setting. The Type 98 fittings (koshirae) are slightly simplified compared to the earlier Type 94. The blade is handmade in the traditional fashion, and is several hundred years old. 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. It also has a very nice company grade rank tassel attached to the pommel, and comes with a fantastic leather 'foul weather cover' for the handle, something that we have not had before!This blade on this example dates from the Edo period (江戸時代, Edo jidai) or Tokugawa period (徳川時代, Tokugawa jidai) of Japanese history. This is the period between 1603 and 1867, when Japan was under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate and the country's 300 regional daimyo. It was 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 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.This example has been remounted several times, as was common for Japanese blades, which is why it has three holes (mekugi) in the tang. This process along with age has completely removed the original file marks YASURIME (鑢目 - file marks) on the tang, and given it a lovely look. There is also some patinated oxidation, a sign of great age. As there is no maker name on the tang, this blade is considered 無銘 (mumei), or 'anonymous'. We estimate that it is at least 200 years old, possibly more, probably from the middle Edo period.The blade is handmade and was expertly crafted by a sword maker, which is indicated by a few tell-tale characteristics that include:- Holes in the tang are punched and not drilled.- Visible vibrant temper line ('hamon') with crystallization visible (Nie and Nioi)- 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, only possible on traditionally made blades.- Visible KIZU (blade wounds) throughout the body, only possible on traditionally made laminated blades.Offered in excellent condition, the blade isVERY SHARP, so it should behandled with care. The only edge damage we can see is just a bit on the very tip, with the rest of the blade being nick and dent free. The polish is in excellent condition, with just some light scuffing in a few areas, as well as a few small oxidation stains. The aspects of the blade are easily seen in any type of light, and include some fantastic features that we do not often see. Blade length is approximately 28 inches and overall length 38 ⅞ inches. The katana has a handmade blade with a Futsu 普通 (regular) Nakago (tang) with a Haagari (asymmetrical rounded) nakago-jiri (tang tip).The main edge HAMON (刃文 - wave or temper line) is fully visible, and is a very attractive MIDARE (矢筈乱れ - irregular) shape, with lots of internal activity. We can see areas that look more like a GUNOME (互の目 - zig zag undulating) shape, with others that show a SUGUHA (直刃 or straight) shape. Along the transition there are clear NIE crystals visible, with cloudy areas of NIOI in the body of the hamon, and lots of internal activity. We also see areas of JI-NIE, which are areas of NIE in the blade body above the temper line The body of the blade (JI) also shows hada (肌 - grain), which is the ITAME (板目 - Wood grain) pattern. The blade has a proper geometric KISSAKI (切先 - point of blade) with a clear YOKOTE (横手 - line between ji and kissaki). The BOSHI ( 帽子 - tip temper line) is of the KO-MARU (小丸 - small round turnback) shape, and is mostly visible with some great internal activity and a clear transition. There are also some KIZU blade wounds visible, both WARE lamination lines and FUKURE carbon pits, only possible on true handmade blades. This is really a fantastic looking blade! With the long delay for traditional togishi polishing, blades like this that are ready to display are definitely in demand.The blade mountings are the classic WWII era 'high grade' Type 98 Army Shin-Gunto style, brass with gilt accents, which like many we see are now faded due to wear. It has the typical rounded 'quince' (mokko gata) shaped tsuba (cross guard), which is a high grade 'perforated' style. The handle features brass Imperial Army cherry blossom menuki (grip decoration), and a nice Kabuto-Gane (Pommel Cap) with a rope end 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). The leather pommel cover is in lovely condition, showing wear to the exterior, but no tearing or major damage.There are six metal seppa (spacers) around the tsuba to keep the fit tight, and under these much of the gilding is retained on the tsuba. All are inlet for the scabbard lock, which is fully functional. The blade collar (habaki) looks to be gold plated copper with a 'rain' texture, often used during WWII. The handle (tsuka) has an great Sa-Me (Stingray Skin) grip, which is fully intact. The brown ITO (cloth binding) shows light to moderate use, with some fraying of the material as well as staining from hand oils. There is no securing peg present, as the handle stays on fine without it, but we will fit a replica to keep the handle in place prior to shipment.Attached to the pommel cap loop is a Brown and Blue colored Tassel, which is in good service used condition. This signifies that this was carried by a 'company grade' officer, which would be a Lieutenant or Captain rank. It is totally correct, still tied around the end loop, and looks to have seen long service, which has faded the colors. It also looks to show some period repairs.The Scabbard (saya) is steel over wood, and in good service used condition, looking to have seen long service during the war. It looks like it originally had smooth olive paint on the exterior, as seen on the earlier Type 94 fittings and also on high grade Type 98 fittings. This paint is only retained at about 50%, with some period applied brown paint added during the war to protect the exposed areas of the scabbard. There is also some damage to the bottom of the scabbard near the SAYAJIRI, mainly dents on the sides, which do not interfere with sheathing the blade. The scabbard has the correct single hanger loop of the Type 98 style. The top fitting is inlet for the scabbard lock on the hilt, and the lock works correctly.A lovely handmade Japanese Type 98 Shin-gunto with a fantastic blade, complete with a rank tassel, steel scabbard, and rare leather foul weather cover for the handle. Definitely some great research potential here, and it has a look that is impossible to duplicate! This is a real USGI bring-back from WWII, ready to display and cherish!Specifications:Blade Length: 28'Blade Style: Shinogi-Zukuri (鎬造り)Overall length: 38 ⅞'Scabbard Length: 30 ⅛'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.Shipping RestrictionsThis product is available for international shipping.Payment OptionsEligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle