WWII Japanese Type 98 Shin Gunto with Mei and Resized Blade

26.25" nagasa (blade length). 38.5" overall with tsuka (hilt) and saya (scabbard). Shinogi zukuri style blade with cut down Chu-kissaki and Ihori mune set in Reproduction Type 98 Shin Gunto mounts with leather wrapped wood saya mounting a single ring mount. Blade displays Sugu (straight) hamon line obscured by machine buffing and repolishing. Tsuba is cast likely reproduction with four Sakura (cherry blossoms) to corners, and replaced Fuchi and authentic Kashira. Tsuka is cut down for Same, but lacks any rayskin, and shows loosely retied and broken grip tape. Both sides of the Futsu Nakago are signed, but the fuller extends into the Nakago, and Mekugi pin holes are relocated, suggesting the Nakago was cut down at some point, and polished with the rest of the blade.

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Condition
Fair to Good as Polished. Blade shows buffing marks overall with some original polish and hamon visible near Habaki. Some scattered pitting and dark brown patina, and bites to the edge. Nakago has been polished, and the Mei weakened. Multiple hilt components have been replaced, with all showing patina, dents, chipping, and losses.