WWII Japanese Type 98 Shin Gunto with Mei

26.75" nagasa (blade length). 40.5" overall with tsuka (hilt) and saya (scabbard). Shinogi zukuri style blade with Chu-kissaki and Ihori mune set in Type 98 Shin Gunto mounts with painted metal wood core saya. Blade displays Sugu (Straight) hamon line and shows signs of buffing and polishing that have obscured the Hada. Mounts include a spring catch to the tsuba that locks into the scabbard with the standard brown grip tape over white rayskin and two Menuki. Tsuba decorated with four sakura (cherry blossoms) to the corners over a nanako ground, and similar sakura patterns to all further mountings except habaki. Imperial Japanese Army brown and blue sword knot is attached to the loop. Left side of the Futsu Haagari nakago signed, but the entire Nakago has been buffed down, weakening the Mei. Additionally, Nakago has two Mekugi pin holes with the original filled in with brass. Lacks Mekugi pin.

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Condition
Good. Blade primarily Bright with some nicks to the edge, gray mottling, and some pitting below mid length. Buffed Nakago has been varnished. Brown patina and pitting on upper saya where held by hand, with some further flaking and abrasions. Wood core of Tsuka is warped.