This WW2 Japanese army officer’s sword has a traditionally forged (gendaito) blade that is signed and dated by the maker. The blade is presented with World War Two Type 98 army mounts and scabbard. The sword is sold as a project, complete with five metres of cotton ito to re-wrap the tsuka.
The traditionally forged blade is in good polish and has a 660mm cutting edge (nagasa). The nagasa has a chip, as shown in the photos. The former owner believed the chip to have been caused during WW2.
The grain (hada) is very tight, giving what is known as a Muji hada which is an extremely tight itame hada. Looked at with a magnifying glass it resembles pebbles seen through water. The blade has a good hoso-suguha hamon and terminates in a Chu-kissaki.
The tang (nakago) is signed and dated. The tang inscription reads:
“Hizen no kuni ju Nyodo Yoshi Tada saku Kore kino shira,” the date on the other side is
“Ko Kei Ni Sen Riku Yalu Ni Nen Go Gatsu,” which translates to 5th month 1942.
The WW2 Shin Gunto mounts are in reasonable condition and are complete with the exception of a mekugi (bamboo peg) and the seppas (washers). The tsuka (hilt) fits tightly to the tang. The brown cotton Ito is enough to wrap the tsuka and both original menuki are present. The copper habaki (blade collar) is shown in the first few photos but I forgot to include it in the later ones. The fuchi, kashira and tsuba are present and correct.
The steel scabbard is in fair condition and has been painted black. This is not the original colour or paint. The blade sheathes tightly and is held firmly within the saya and the locking catch engages and releases as it should.
This WW2 Japanese officer’s gendaito (traditionally forged) sword has a well forged blade with early to middle WW2 koshirae. The unfortunate chip to the cutting edge, mars what was a great sword.
Once completed, this type 98 shin gunto will be a great display piece and who knows how the chip occurred…
