Original Item: One of a Kind. Recently purchased at a large military auction, this is a great 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 is 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 石 正 心, which is actually read as USHOSHIN, a very well regarded highly ranked WWII Period swordsmith. Yanagawa Ushoshin was a Sword smith based in Tokyo, and was listed as a "Special Ranks - Betsuki" rated smith in the 1943 Showa Swordsmith List (Nihon Token Tanrenjo) of top Smiths. Swords by this maker are very desirable, and this is the only example that we have ever had. They made both SHOWATO (machine made) and GENDAITO (traditional) blades, and this is definitely the latter.

The blade 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 are punched and not drilled.

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

- Blade has lamination visible in the body (JI) as well as edge (HA) of the blade, a well as FUKURE "blade wounds" (KIZU), which only appear on traditionally made blades.

- 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)

Offered in very good condition, the blade is still sharp and looks great. There are just a few tiny nicks or dents on the edge. Overall the polish on the blade is excellent, with just a few areas of oxidation and small scuff marks. Blade length is approximately 24 3/4 inches and overall length 35 1/2 inches. The katana has a handmade blade with a Futsu 普通 (regular) Nakago (tang) with KIRI (cut) nakago-jiri (tang tip). It has a proper kissaki (tip) with a clear yokote (division between body and tip).

The temper line (hamon) is fully visible, and is a very attractive MIDARE (Irregular) with areas of NOTARE (Wave swell) and GUNOME (Zig Zag). There are Nie crystals visible with a magnifying glass at the temper line, and the correct NIOI cloudy areas of crystals. There are also some small ASHI, lines of NIOI in the temper line. The BOSHI (tip temper line) is an OOMARU (large circle) type, and fully visible. There area few FUKURE (carbon pits) on one side, but these are further proof of being traditionally made. Just a great blade on this sword.

From what we can tell, this is not the first mounting for this sword, which is why there are multiple holes and the cut tang tip. However it looks like the tag was originally quite long, and was cut down to fit the new fittings, a common practice. We have also seen un-cut blades by USHOSHIN that still had this type of tang end.

The blade mountings are the classic later WWII era Type 98 Army Shin-Gunto style, brass with gilt accents. Rounded "quince" 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 5 Seppa (spacers) around the cross guard to keep the fit tight, and all are inleted for the scabbard lock, which is fully functional. The blade collar (habaki) is the copper type we usually see on older hand made blades.

The handle (tsuka) has an nice stingray skin (Sa-Me) grip, which is fully intact, with at a complete Ito (cloth binding), which shows minimal wear. There is a single wooden securing peg (mekugi) still present, which looks to be original. The Scabbard (saya) on this example is lightweight aluminum over wood and in excellent condition, with almost all of the original paint intact. Aluminum scabbards are usually only seen on high grade blades, such as this one. It does not have any major dents or damage we can see, and has the correct single hanger loop of the Type 98 style. The top fitting is inleted for the scabbard lock on the hilt.

The tsuba, 2 of the seppa, the fuchi, and the scabbard lock are all marked with western numbers 1864. Other components are not marked, but markings on the Tsuka and Saya often would wear off. We have no doubt that this is an original set, made for this specific blade. The Habaki is a bit dented in on the end, which explains why the crossguard is slightly loose.

An incredible Japanese Type 98 Shin-gunto by a highly rated smith, this is a real USGI bring-back from WWII, ready to display and cherish!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 24 3/4”
Blade Style: Katana
Overall length: 35 1/2"
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.