Original Item: Only One Available. Purchased directly from a collector, this is a very nice 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 both signed by the maker as well as dated 1944. 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 is a very nice example, and shows only mild use, without much damage or wear.

The blade on this example was hand forged at arsenal, most likely at Seki, and the tang of the blade is signed (Mei) with the characters 金 道 (KINMICHI). Research indicates that this smith's real name was 日比野 一二 (Hibino Ichiji), and he was  born on May 6 1917. He later died August 20 1945, very soon after the end of the war.

The other side of the tang bears the date when the blade was produced, in the standard long form indicating years into the current emperor's reign: 
: 昭 和 十 九 年 二 月.  This would be read: SHOWA (current reigning emperor) Juu Kyu Nen (19th year of reign - 1944) Ni Gatsu (2nd Month - February).

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

- Single Hole in the tang is punch and not drilled.

- Visible temper line ("hamon")

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

Offered in great condition, the blade is still sharp and is nick free, as far as we can see. Overall the polish on the blade is good, with some areas of light staining from oxidation on the edge in a few places. Blade length is approximately 26 1/8 inches and overall length 37 1/4 inches.  The katana has a handmade arsenal made blade with an asymmetrically rounded (haagari) tang, and a proper geometric kissaki (tip) with a clear yokote (division between body and tip). Temper line (hamon) is visible, and is of the straight (sugu) type. On the Boshi (blade tip) the temper line takes a small circle (komaru) shape. Light grain on blade is visible on the blade flat (ji).

The blade mountings are the classic later WWII era Type 98 Army Shin-Gunto style, brass with gilt accents. Rounded 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 4 Seppa (spacers) around the cross guard to keep the fit tight, and all are inleted for the scabbard lock. The lock itself unfortunately has lost the "hook" on the end, so it can no longer lock into the scabbard. The blade collar (habaki) looks to be brass alloy, maybe with some gilding.

The handle (tsuka) has an nice faux stingray skin (Sa-Me) grip, which has unfortunately cracked a bit.. It has a complete Ito (cloth binding), which shows some just a bit of wear. The single bamboo securing peg is still present, and looks to be original. The Scabbard (saya) is steel and in very nice condition,with much of the original paint intact. It seems to be pretty much dent free, 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 fittings on this sword are not marked with any numbers, except for the fuchi, which is marked 878. This matches the painted number on the dated side of the tang, 八 七 八 - 8 7 8. Normally other parts would be marked, but in later war production, that step was omitted. There is also the number 一 三 四 五 - 1 3 4 5 painted on the Signed size of the blade, but we do not know what the significance is.

Overall a great display piece, a real USGI-bring back from WWII, ready to display and cherish!

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.