Original Item: One of a Kind. Recently purchased at large military show, this is a very nice USGI Bring-Back wartime production High Grade 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.

The blade on this example was hand forged, and the tang of the blade is signed (Mei) with the characters 濃 州 松 田 兼 高 作, which is read as NOSHU JU MATSUDA KANETAKA SAKU. This roughly translates to "made by Kanetaka Matsuda in Mino Province". Research indicates that smith's real name was 松田 高市 - Matsuda Takaichi, so in this case Takaichi is their given name, while Kanetaka is their "swordsmith" name. Their name appears in the Seki Tanrensho Booklet printed in 1939. Kaneaki was active during the Showa Period and worked at Seki arsenal in Gifu, Mino Province (美濃国), who stamped the blade with the 関 (Seki) mark. They look to have made both arsenal forged and traditional blades. We have confirmed the signature (Oshigata) with other examples of his work.

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

- Hole in the tang is punched and not drilled.

- Visible temper line ("hamon") with crystallization visible (Nie and Nioi)

- Blade is signed on the tang by the maker ("Mei").

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

- Blade has visible grain "hada" in the body of the blade by the edge (ji)

Offered in very good condition, the blade is still quite sharp and looks great. The polish is in very good condition, and the aspects of the hamon are still easy to see. There are some light scuffs and speckled light staining on the blade. Edge still quite sharp, with just a few tiny bends, and some small dents near the tip. Blade length is approximately 26 inches and overall length of 36 3/4 inches. The katana has a handmade blade with a Futsu 普通 (regular) Nakago (tang) with an Iriyamagata (asymmetrical pointed) nakago-jiri.

The temper line is still very clear, and is a very attractive YAHAZU (notched) MIDARE (irregular) 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. There are also some areas of ASHI, which are lines of NIOI running towards the edge. The tip temper line (boshi) is visible, and is of the YAKIZUME (no turnback) shape. The yokote is is still clear, and the blade has a proper geometric kissaki (tip). The blade body (JI) shows some grain (hada), which is the straight (masame) type. This is really a fantastic looking blade!

The blade mountings are the classic later WWII era Type 98 Army Shin-Gunto style, brass with gilt accents, featuring a rounded "quince" shaped (mokko gata) tsuba (cross guard). The tsuka (handle) has brass Imperial Army cherry blossom menuki (grip decorations), and a nice Kabuto-Gane (Pommel Cap), which originally had a rope loop, which has torn off. 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 Seppa (spacers) around the cross guard to keep the fit tight. The tsuba and seppa are all inlet for the scabbard lock, which is still present, but does not hold securely after locking on.

The blade collar (habaki) is gilt brass, and is the standard shape usually seen on WWII production blades, with "rain" texture. The handle (tsuka) has a great stingray skin (Sa-Me) grip, with the correct golden brown Ito (cloth binding). The wrapping does show some wear, and has torn through near the peg hole, which was secured using some glue. There is a single wooden securing peg (mekugi) still present, which is a post war replacement.

The Scabbard (saya) is steel over wood, and in very good condition, with most of the original paint intact. It has a nice brown textured paint job, which is just lovely. There is some missing paint near the upper hanger ring, which has caused some oxidation. 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 still locks but does not hold securely. It does not have any major dents or other damage.

A great handmade Japanese Type 98 Shin-gunto by a known maker, this is a real USGI bring-back from WWII, ready to display and cherish!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 26"
Blade Style: Shinogi-Zukuri Katana
Overall length: 36 3/4“
Scabbard Length: 29 1/2"

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.