Original 6th Marine Division Marked WWII Japanese “Island Made” Type 98 Shin-Gunto Katana with Leather Covered Scabbard Original Items

Original Item: One of a Kind. Recently purchased at an estate sale, this is a great 6th Marine Division Bring-Back wartime production “Island-made” Japanese officer Katana in the Type 98 Shin-Gunto (九八式軍刀 kyūhachi-shiki guntō) setting. Late in the war, supplies from mainland Japan were often interrupted, and the Mainland itself also was dealing with material shortages and the effects of bombing raids. The armorers on the islands had to make due with what they had, often re-purposing the blades from NCO and other swords for use by officers. There are even cases where the entire sword, fittings and all, were fabricated “on island”.

This example looks to have used an arsenal forged blade, possibly from the mainland or China. It conforms very well to the Type 98 style fittings (koshirae), which are slightly simplified compared to the earlier Type 94. 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. It also has a very nice rank tassel attached to the pommel.

The best part of this Katana by far is definitely the highly personalized leather cover on the scabbard. It looks to have had the markings burned into the leather, and gives fairly detailed information about the unit that acquired it, which is spread out somewhat over the scabbard: 6TH DIV. 29TH MAR. 3RD BN. CO. “L”. This would be for Company “L”, 3rd Battalion, 29th Marine Regiment, 6th Marine Division. This unit is mainly know during the war for service on Okinawa, taking part in the Battle of Sugar Loaf Hill, and then later the Occupation of Northern China.

The locations listed on the scabbard include: CHINA, MOG-MOG, TINIAN, SAIPAN, GUAM, OKINAWA, and GUADALCANAL. There is also the abbreviation E.J.N. in the middle of the scabbard, which we believe may be the initials of the Marine who captured the sword. There is definitely some fantastic research potential here!

Offered in very good lightly used condition, the blade is still sharp and looks great. It looks to be a blade from a type 95 NCO sword or something similar, so it was definitely made at arsenal, and adapted to these fittings on island. It shows just a bit of scuffing and wear, with some light oxidation in places. It does have a faux hamon added, but it was not very well executed compared to most that were done on the mainland. There is a faux yokote as well. Blade length is approximately 24 1/8 inches and overall length 34 1/2 inches.

The blade mountings are the classic WWII era Type 98 Army Shin-Gunto style, brass with gilt accents, which are well retained. Rounded “quince” (mokko gata) shaped tsuba (cross guard) with stamped 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 metal Seppa (spacers) around the cross guard to keep the fit tight, and all are inlet for the functional scabbard lock. The blade collar (habaki) is brass plated copper, and is the standard shape usually seen on WWII production blades.

The handle (tsuka) has an nice ray skin shagreen (Sa-Me) grip, however the cloth grip wrapping (Ito) is definitely not as well wrapped as it would be from arsenal. The wrapping shows only light wear, with a few areas of minor staining from use and storage, and no areas of fraying. As with other “Island made” types, the peg for the handle was added before the wrapping and mekugi, so there is really no way to remove the handle without completely taking off the wrapping. There is a nice bent copper hanger loop going through the end cap.

Attached to the pommel cap loop is a service worn rayon Brown and Blue colored Tassel, which shows a lot of fraying and fading. This signifies that this was carried by a “company grade” officer, which would be a Lieutenant or Captain rank. It is totally correct and looks to have been attached to the sword for quite some time.

The Scabbard (saya) is a standard Type 98 wood type, covered with a personalized tan leather field cover. It has a single brass hanger ring with a copper swivel, typical of what we see from WWII on this type of scabbard. The leather cover is in good shape, showing wear and some tears from service and decades of age and storage. The top of the scabbard is inlet for the scabbard lock, which is fully functional.

An incredible 6th Marine Division bring-back from WWII, this “Island Made” Japanese Type 98 Shin-gunto, ready to display and cherish!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 24 1/8″
Blade Style: Katana
Overall length: 34 1/2“
Scabbard Length: 27 3/4″

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 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.