Type 98 with an old tachi mei blade

[EdWolf]

Hi to all,

I have recently acquired an old blade in military type 98 mountings. The blade is shortened and only a small part of the signature remains (Bishu Osafune). It’s cut off right next to the original mekugi ana. The nagasa is still 67.5 cm. The blade has a tachi mei so I think it’s an early Muromachi blade. I’m still a novice so please be gentle!

The mountings are nice and the has a tsuba of the openwork type. The iron saya has a very strange and unusual green color. It has some age but it can be done post war. I’m not sure. Please let me know what you think.

All opinions about the blade and the mountings are welcome.

 

Best regards,

Ed

[PNSSHOGUN]

Saya looks original, that gloss finish is usually seen on Type 94 or early Type 98 swords. Very nice example, these are my favorite type of Shin Gunto, old blades with good quality mounts. The blade looks Koto, good dark patina and Sugata. 

[16k]

Very novice myself at determining a period, but i'd say Koto too though later Muromachi. I could be very wrong, of course!

[EdWolf]

Thanks John and JP for your opinion! Highly appreciated.

I find determining the period a difficult task. Especially when the blade is shortened. For me it’s hard to imagine the original shape of the blade.

Best regards,

Ed

[Bruce Pennington]

Wow, that was originally one seriously long nakago!

 

Agree with John on the saya. Ohmura has one the same color.

I love the seppa. Wonder if they came from the "civilian" fittings?

 

[Shugyosha]

It might be on the early side of Muromachi, perhaps earlier yet: I think you can see the remains of original mekugi ana on the nakago jiri and, if so, the original nagasa would be around 80cm and with the sori tending towards koshi sori which at first blush points that way for me.

[EdWolf]

Thank you Bruce!

Good to see the screenshot with the different colors used. I must say I was a little bit worried about the color but the overall appearance of the blade and the fittings convinced me to buy it.

I agree with you, this blade was before it was cut a very nice long blade. It’s a shame but it’s all part of history.

 

Thanks John! You are right about the original mekugi ana. It’s just near the edge of the of the nakago and a small part of it is visible. The length and the tachi mei also pointed me to early Muromachi.

 

Best regards, Ed

[vajo]

Nice one Ed. I like the color of the saya too.

[Jussi Ekholm]

Just based on the fact it has tachi mei Bishū Osafune I'd lean towards early Muromachi or Nanbokuchō. Would be nice to see more of the blade. Unfortunately I am not a military sword guy so I don't really care about the mountings.

[EdWolf]

Hi Jussi,

Thank you very much for your opinion. I'm glad you and others confirmed my attempt to date the blade. It's a steep learning curve. I will try to take better pictures of the blade. Most of the pictures where out of focus. I'm not the best photographer :-)

Best regards, Ed

[EdWolf]

Only two picture where in focus and the light is terrible. Will try to make better ones.

[SAS]

Wartime quickie polish?

[EdWolf]

The overall condition of the blade is not that bad. There are some scratches, no visible flaws so nothing that can be fixed with a new polish. The story behind this sword is that it was taken by a Dutch Colonel from a local at Sumatra during the “politionele acties” (sorry but I don’t know how to translate it). After the war there was a brutal conflict in the Dutch East Indies between Dutch soldiers and the local population. The previous owner bought it from the widow of the Colonel. Can’t verify the story but it’s plausible.

[EdWolf]

Sorry but this is the best I can do.

Best regards, Ed

[PNSSHOGUN]

Wow, looks very healthy & well forged.

[EdWolf]

Hi John,

Thanks for your kind reply! I also think this is a nice well made blade as you would expect from a blade from this time-period.

Best regards,

Ed

[IJASWORDS]

Ed, nice blade, original koshirae, great green color saya..... all in all a great collectible early made gunto.  

[EdWolf]

Neil, thank you for your reply and confirmation about the green color saya.

 

I now have a small collection of military swords. Three type 98 all with old traditional blades and two kai-gunto swords.

 

Best regards, Ed