Original Item: Is a good condition USGI Bring-Back wartime production Japanese officer Katana in the Type 98 Shin-Gunto (九八式軍刀 kyūhachi-shiki guntō) setting is a weapon and symbol of rank used by the Imperial Japanese Army between the years of 1935 and 1945. The Type 98 pattern of fittings (koshirae) are slightly simplified compared to the earlier Type 94. The blade tang on this great example is signed by the maker, and appears to be handmade in the traditional fashion.

The blade on this example was hand forged, and the tang of the blade is signed (Mei) with the characters  which is read as NAGAMITSU. This is one of the known mei used by RJT approved smith 市原 長光 - "Ichihara Nagamitsu", also known as 市原 一龍子 長光 - Ichihara Iryuushi Nagamitsu. We have compared signature on the tang (oshigata) to other blades and this is definitely a blade by Nagamitsu or one of his apprentices.

 This smiths were quite well known during the showa period and WWII for making very high quality blades. The swordsmith name Nagamitsu is one full of history, and arguably one of the most famous names in Japanese swordmaking history, with many very well regarded smiths using the name over the past 7 centuries.

 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.

- Visible vibrant temper line 

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

-. Blade length is approximately 26 inches and overall length of 37 inches.

The blade mountings are the classic later WWII era Type 98 Army Shin-Gunto style, browned brass with gilt accents, which in fantastic condition, showing almost no wear. 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 4 brass Seppa (spacers) around the cross guard to keep the fit tight, and all are inleted for the scabbard lock, which is still intact and each piece stamped 166. The blade collar (habaki) is copper, and is the standard shape usually seen on WWII production blades.

The handle (tsuka) has a great stingray skin (Sa-Me) grip, with the correct brown Ito (cloth binding). There is a single wooden securing peg (mekugi) still present, which is a post war replacement.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 26"
Blade Style: Katana
Overall length: 37“
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.