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 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 佐 光 信 光 作, which is read SAKO NOBUMITSU SAKU. This basically translates to "Sako Nobumitsu" made this. In this case, their "Swordsmith" name was Nobumitsu, while their real name was 佐光 信一, or Sako Shinichi. Combinations of their real and swordsmith names are common for some smiths, including this "Nobumitsu". There are also examples with additional characters before and after, but this is a complete and correct MEI for this smith. They were active during the Showa Period and worked at Seki arsenal in Gifu, Mino Province (美濃国), who stamped the blade with the arsenal proof 関 (Seki).

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 are punched and not drilled.

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

- Blade has lamination visible, especially after the temper line, which is only possible on handmade blades.

- The Blade body has clear grain, or "hada" 

- 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 condition, the blade is still sharp and looks great. The edge shows no nicks, dents, or other damage, and is still quite sharp. Overall the polish on the blade is excellent, with only a few small areas of discoloration. Blade length is approximately 25 1/4 inches and overall length 36 inches.  The katana has a handmade blade with a Futsu 普通 (regular) Nakago (tang) with Haagari (asymmetrical rounded) nakago-jiri (tang tip). It has a proper kissaki (tip) with a clear yokote (division between body and tip). Temper line (hamon) is fully visible, and is a very nice SUGU - straight type. There is crystallization visible as well, showing lots of NIE inclusions, as well as grain. The blade body (JI) also shows grain (HADA), which looks like AYASUGI, or undulating grain.

The blade mountings are the classic later WWII era Type 98 Army Shin-Gunto style, brass with gilt accents. A high-end Rounded "quince" shaped tsuba (cross guard), which is perforated. There are also the standard 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 8 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) looks to be the standard gold colored bronze alloy.

The handle (tsuka) has an nice stingray skin (Sa-Me) grip, which is fully intact and in great shape. It has a complete Ito (cloth binding), which shows little to no wear. There is a single wooden securing peg (mekugi) still present, which looks to be original. The Scabbard (saya) is steel covered wood and in very nice condition, with much of the original black paint intact. Usually army Shin-gunto have brown scabbards, but this one is a high-end special order example, so the color may have been a special request. It has only a few small dents, 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 many of the seppa are marked with western numbers 2 1. while other fittings are not numbered. However we do not doubt that these fittings were made specifically for this blade, as they are a nearly perfect fit.

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

Specifications:
Blade Length: 25 1/4"
Blade Style: Katana
Overall length: 36“
Scabbard Length: 29"

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.