Type 98 Shin Gunto (Japanese WWII Officer’s Sword)
In the heart of the Pacific War, amidst the tangled jungles of Papua New Guinea, this Type 98 Shin Gunto bore silent witness to the fierce clash of empires. A blade of gleaming steel, forged in the fires of ancient tradition, it bore the weight of a nation’s honor.
Standard issue for Japanese officers during WWII, this “Katana” found its way to Western Australia following the chaos of the Pacific War. The patina on its metal fittings, the wear on its leather scabbard, and the faded silk hilt wrap all tell a story of conflict and hardship.
Description:
- Type: Military sword, specifically a Type 98 Shin Gunto (New Army Sword), a standard-issue weapon for Japanese officers during WWII.
- Origin: Papua New Guinea, likely captured during the Pacific War.
- Condition: Good, with a visible patina on the metal fittings and some wear on the leather scabbard and hilt wrap.
Blade (Nagasa):
Traditional Japanese sword blade, likely made of carbon steel, with a visible curvature (sori).
Hilt (Tsuka):
- Hilt Wrap (Ito): Traditional Japanese silk wrapping, brown in color over Ray Skin wrap (Samegawa).
- Hilt Fittings (Fuchi/Kashira): Metal fittings at the top and bottom of the hilt, made of brass.
- Sword Guard (Tsuba): Metal guard between the blade and hilt, often with decorative elements.
Scabbard (Saya):
- Material: Wood covered in leather, with a metal chape (kojiri) at the tip and a metal throat (koiguchi) at the top.
- Leather Foul Weather Cover: As seen in the image, a leather cover with a latch to protect the sword from the elements.
This relic, once a symbol of military authority, now serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of war. Its journey, from the hands of a Japanese officer to a foreign land, reflects the tumultuous events that shaped the Pacific theatre. Though silent, this sword speaks volumes about the courage, sacrifice, and brutality that defined a generation.
