PNSSHOGUN

Looking a little closer it seems this is one of the rare examples with silvered fittings. A very fine sword, probably Gendaito. It will be mighty difficult to find a silver plated Tsuba to match this sword in that case.

Yes, it is a Type 98 Shin Gunto, and a nice one at that. The handle and fittings are of the good quality type, especially the handle wrap (Tsuka-Ito), the tassel is a plain brown example with no rank differentiation, usually you have blue & brown tassels for LT. - CPT, red & brown for MAJ - COL and orange & brown with yellow tassels for Generals (see picture). If you check the pommel there may also be a silver family crest. If you can carefully take off the handle and take pictures of any writing on the tang of the sword it will tell us who made the sword and when if there is a date. As for the Tsuba (sword guard) there are many original replacement parts available but as these swords were all handfitted you may have to make sure of your measurements and use some shims to make it fit. There should be a small button and catch on the other side of the handle that passes through the Tsuba and locks the sword into the scabbard, we will need some more pictures of all of these things to help you further. Please also sign with your real name so we can properly address you per forum rules 👍

I believe this Ito original to the sword, it's uncommon but that style of Ito was done usually on higher grade swords.

Well....here is the holy grail of large Shin Gunto: 36 Inch Nagasa Odachi in Type 94 mounts. there aren't any measurements but the Nagasa alone is about the size of a normal Type 98 in mounts.... I doubt there is anything larger than this out there so enjoy: https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/59/3292/massive-and-impressive-odachilength-Japanese-sword-with-shin-gu

Yes, this is a later war Type 98 in "combat mounts", the scabbard would likely have had a leather cover originally.

While certainly not an absolute rule, more often than not they are found on Type 94 and early Type 98. Of the three Type 94 I own, all have with gloss red/brown saya (one with remnants of the original finish).

Did it paper to the original attribution? From memory the Wazkizashi in question had a different type of green paper that was done during an NBTHK Shinsa to the USA.

Just like the early red gloss Saya on Type 94, it's a perfect combo.

Here is the thread: https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/23639-tsuba-appendage/

The Fuchi & Koiguchi are also unadorned, usually seen on later war swords with leather retention tabs. The blade looks to be of very fine quality though, strange combination.

Great to hear that, this new upgrade is a real breath of fresh air here.

Patented Ishikuze or extended drag are the correct terms, never encountered "tabs" before.

Yep, glad to help out Brian and have a few extra features. One thing that would be neat down the road are some more traditional Japanese images for the background pictures, perhaps some famous woodblock prints?

The only problem is members who know just enough to be dangerous giving advice on how to do it. Time to close it.

Can only concur, saw it yesterday and thought it was a chinese piece in poor condition.

It's there in a few photos, just hard to see.

Comparing the two....your ebay one is a cast repro, all the fine detail in the feathers is gone with your example.

Considering the overall good shape this is in, a radical polish may not be required at all. Beyond the active rust the polish is more than sufficient, as time goes by these old original Sashikomi polishes will be rarer to see with the relentless tyranny of Hadori. I would keep it as is if the rust can be removed and stabilized so it is a true time capsule.

Both, the blade is an older one for sure but perhaps nothing precious. As you said, many were made in the same pattern and used whatever Tanto were around at the time. The Horimono on your example is quite nicely executed and the shape is good.

It does have all the hallmarks of a Meiji era tourist piece, but well executed. A very interesting curio/display piece for anyone.

Best sword for taking to war perhaps, I would certainly trust my life to a Koa Isshin Mantetsu.

It looks of particularly dubious quality, along with the questionable mounts I would take a pass unless absurdly cheap.

Worthless for resale purposes, we all know that, but what about for your own purposes if you have no reason to sell?

"Small Hakobore"