Interesting Type 98 Army Officer Shin-Gunto

Axis Powers > Japanese > Edged Weapons >

Here's a good example of a custom officers sword. Probably local-area made in the Indonesia area of operations. Often found as Australian bring-backs. This one has an VG blade with a well unmarked tang and a straight temper line. The blade has fingerprint stains, oxidation and scuffs with some roughness to the cutting edge. I have not tried to clean this. Blade is seated through a hand enhanced tsuba with the tang secured with a peg. The habaki is hand stamped, "PRESENTED TO, P.S.O. MG TINMY 1943". I do not know the story here but perhaps with some research more could be brought to light. The military type hilt is officer quality. It is constructed of a wood base, covered in ray skin wrapped in original brown leather tape with a twist. Pls note the tape id broken near the top and glued down so it does not loosen. The kabuto-gane, is copper/brass with hand enhancing matching the theme of the tsuba and the fuchi. There is a copper sarute through it. The saya is wood based and fitted in a leather combat cover, (factory shrunk in place). It is of double thickness towards the chape. It's been there forever and you can clearly see the shape of the fittings underneath it. The top has a brass throat. Rubbing my hand down the leather I can not detect any dents. As is most often the case with these scabbards a spring clip retention system is employed. It does not want to engage but the hilt is a bit loose. I expect with some love this could be adjusted. No, this is not perfect but I find it interesting. Perhaps a bit of a project for you.