Original Item: Only One Available. Purchased recently at a large military auction, this is a very nice late war style mid grade Japanese officer Katana, with an arsenal-made blade. It is in the standard 1944 pattern Shin-Gunto setting, and is dated December 1944 on the blade tang. It also is signed by the smith who made it, KANEYOSHI.

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. These are not made as carefully or to as high of a standard as the earlier blades, which makes them a very economical way to get into Japanese sword collecting. This is a very nice example, and appears to have seen very little use in combat.

The katana itself measures 37 1/2 inches overall, with a 26 inch arsenal-made blade. The blade is most likely not traditionally made, as it does not show any lamination lines or grain, and does not have the correct polish for a hand-made blade. It has a standard bright finish to it, with a faint faux hamon (temper line). Condition is very good, with only light scratching and swirling from polishing.

One side of the tang bears the Mei, or signature, of the smith it was made by: 兼 義, which is read as KANE YOSHI. There are two listed smiths who used this name during the Showa Period listed as working at arsenal. In 1942, Kurihara Hikosaburo ranked about 400 Showa Era smiths, and graded them into 7 different levels with 1 being the highest. Both KANEYOSHI smiths were  graded at the 5th level, about an average level smith, classified as 中作 (CHU SAKU or Internediate) = 上工の列 (Joko no Retsu or Good Work). It could also be another smith using the same name, as accurate records were not kept. Right by the top peg hole is a 昭 SHOWA arsenal stamp.

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 十 二 月.  This would be read: SHOWA (current reigning emperor) Juu Kyuu Nen (19th year of reign - 1944) Juu-Ni Gatsu (12th Month - December).  The markings are somewhat faint, and must be held at an angle to the light to see.

The tang of the blade (nakago) is the typical futsu (普通 normal) shape of the period, with a Irayamagata (symmetrically pointed) tip, with the usual file marks (yasuri-me), which help the tang stay secure in the handle. The two hole tang is also typical of this period's arsenal forged blades. There are some painted markings on the tang, but we cannot make out what they say.

The blade mountings are the typical Pattern 1944 era Army style. Round steel tsuba (cross guard) with no decorations, a brass habaki (blade collar), with a blacked brass fuchi (grip collar).  The scabbard lock is present and fully functional. The tsuka (handle) has Imperial Army cherry blossom menuki (grip decoration), and an unadorned black Kabuto-Gane (Pommel Cap). The Tsuka (handle) has an excellent faux stingray (Sa-Me) grip panels, covered with complete Ito (cloth binding), which is in excellent condition, but not wrapped traditionally, which is correct on the P1944 Setting. There is one cross pin (mekugi) installed, but it is most likely a post war replacement made from bamboo.

The scabbard for this katana is in great shape, with the correct original brown paint and late war blacked steel fittings.  It matches and locks into the handle, and is of the correct 1944 pattern style. There are a few dents and scratches, but those just add to the lovely patina!

A great chance to pick up a real Japanese Shin-Gunto, ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 26"
Blade Style: Katana
Overall length: 37 1/2“
Scabbard Length: 28 1/4"

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 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.