Original WWII Japanese Type 98 Shin-Gunto Handmade Katana by MASAYASU Dated 1942 with Lacquered Wooden Scabbard

Original Item: One of a Kind. Recently purchased at large military show, this is a great USGI Bring-Back wartime production 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 in the traditional manner, and the tang of the blade is signed (Mei) with the characters 尾 州 住 正 泰 作 - BISHU JU MASAYASU SAKU. This translates to "Made by Masayasu in Owari Province", or something similar. Masayasu was active during the Showa Period, and looks to have been a very well regarded smith, making blades in the traditional fashion only. They were not based at one of the larger arsenal areas, so their swords were most likely only made to order. Research indicates that their full name was 眞野 正泰 (Mano Masayasu), and we have confirmed the signature (Oshigata) with other examples of his work.

In 1942, Kurihara Hikosaburo ranked about 400 Showa Era smiths, and graded them into 7 different levels with 1 being the highest. Yoshisada is rated at level 5, 中作 (CHU SAKU or Medium work) = 上工の列 (Joko no Retsu or Good Work). They were also mentioned in the Modern Swordsmith Popularity Ranking (現代刀匠人氣番附 - Gendai Tosho Ninki Banzuke) organized in 1943 by the Japanese Sword Newspaper (日本刀劍新聞社 -Nihon Token Shinbunshi), and are listed under "SPECIAL RANKS". They are listed under 別席, which as best we can tell translates to "Special Seat". Most swords we get are made by smiths who are not ranked in any way, so to have one made by a notable swordsmith is a real treat!

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 七 年. This would be read: SHOWA (current reigning emperor) Juu-Nana Nen (17th year of reign - 1942). The YASURIME (鑢目 - file marks) on the tang are still well retained with light oxidation, though the style of signature makes it very hard to take pictures of.

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.

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

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

- 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.

Offered in very good condition, the blade is still VERY sharp and looks great. The edge of the blade is dent and nick free free, and overall the polish on the blade is excellent, with no evidence of having heavily cleaned or polished, which often makes blade aspects faint. This means that the hamon temper line can be easily appreciated on this example! Blade length is approximately 23 ⅜ inches and overall length 34 inches, which is just a bit short, but the fittings definitely point to this being a katana and not a wakizashi. 

Unlike many Shin-Gunto swords we see, this blade of this example was made in the traditional fashion from folded steel made from TAMAGAHANE steel. It features a Futsu Nakago (普通中心 -regular shaped tang) with a HAAGARI (asymmetrical rounded) nakago-jiri (tang tip). It has a vibrant temper line (刃文- HAMON), which is visible along the entire edge of the blade. The shape is a very attractive YAHAZU MIDARE (矢筈乱れ - irregular arrow notch shaped) type, which shimmers in the light with some small irregularities at the transition. There are also elements of HAKO - (箱 - Box Shaped) in the temper line, and it looks like a saw edge. There is visible NIE crystallization at the edge of the temper line easily visible, as well as the correct NIOI cloudiness in the hamon. There is a lot of activity within the hamon, including lamination lines.

The blade body (JI) also has a very tight MASAME HADA (柾目肌 - straight grain pattern) texture which can be early seen in the light, typical for WWII produced traditional blades. 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, with a mostly visible transition. This is really a great blade, with lots of aspects to enjoy. With the long delay for traditional togishi polishing, blades like this that are ready to display and appreciate are definitely in demand.

The blade mountings are the classic WWII era Type 98 Army Shin-Gunto style, brass with gilt accents, which as with most we see are now faded to an overall orange / brown patina. It has the typical rounded "quince" (mokko gata) 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 2 metal Seppa (spacers) around the cross guard to keep the fit tight, though due to the handle shrinking, the tsuba is still loose. The blade collar (habaki) is copper, often seen on handmade blades from the Showa era. The handle (tsuka) has a great stingray skin (Sa-Me) grip, with the correct light brown Ito (cloth binding). There is just a bit of very minor staining to the wrapping and no tears, so it does not look to have seen any significant use in the field. The end loop of the tsuka is present, though a bit bent out of shape, and the securing pin is a recent replacement.

The Scabbard (saya) on this example is wood with a dark brown lacquer finish, and was most likely converted during wartime to use with a leather field cover, which is now missing. This would have matched up with the leather strap still present on the hilt. The scabbard is missing the KOIGUCHI throat fitting now, and is in fair condition, showing paint loss and damage. It still retains a brass loop with a hanger ring, though it is very loose on the scabbard. There is also what looks to be a capture tag glued to the top of the scabbard, though it is worn and we were not able to translate it.

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

Specifications:
Blade Length: 23 ⅜"
Blade Style: Katana
Blade Shape: Shinogi-Zukuri (鎬造り)
Overall length: 34“
Scabbard Length: 28 ⅜"

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.