Ben A Harris

I am adding 4 more files that were somehow lost in the posting process. The first two belong with the last two on the former post. The other two are of both sides of the whole blade. The sides can be distinguished by the rust spot on the tang near the notchwhe

I have provided the requested photos taken of the specific points in question. I hope the photo convey what you wanted to see. I tried to emphasize the temper line. I am interested to receive comments on the tempering.

Scogg...... Thanks for the video. It enabled me to overcome my fear of 40+ years and remove the tsuka. The mekigi proved difficult to remove. It fragmented into small pieces and dust as noted on the attached photo. Notes on the Shin-Gunto The Shin-Gunto is believed to be a Type 98 with machine made blade The blade was observed to be free of any defects or corrosion and is believed to be in very good to excellent condition. The cutting edge is intact with no defects along the whole length. The overall length of the blade is 93.6 cm. The length of the blade from the tip to the notch is 64.6 cm. The length of the tang is 24 cm. The width of the blade at the notch is 33.5mm. The blade thickness is 7 mm. The blade includes a fuller or Bo-hi the full length The temper line is quite visible but could not be photographed nor identified as to type. Ditto for the tip temper The tang was examined under well lighted magnification. No marks, stamps nor logos were observed with certainty. No serial number stamp was observed A possible temper stamp was observed just above the Muni-machi. The presence of such a stamp cannot be confirmed. The tang exhibits three each 6 mm diameter holes. The peg hole is elongated along the tang long axis. The Tsuba is metal with what appears to be a gold tone finish.The finish is everywhere degraded. In addition to the Tsuba guard , there were 6 O-seppa spacers. The Tsuba and all of the O-seppa bear the stamped digits 2 and 7. The stamped 2 and 7 are the only marks by the sword maker that are observed. The guard and all the fittings exhibit sharply formed cherry blossoms and leaves. All the metal decorative work is very sharply defined and seems to be well made. Research has revealed that the silvery attachment with a logo resembling the infinity symbol is a Kamon or Mon that is not related to the sword maker. Specific identity was not determined “The silvery diamond-shaped metallic inlay (pressed or inlaid into the flat end-face of the kashira/pommel cap) with a symbol resembling the infinity mark (∞) is almost certainly the personal or clan family crest (kamon or mon) of the Japanese officer who owned or commissioned the shin-guntō” Further research may yield more detailed family identity with this rare mon

I am seeking information on what I believe to be a shin-gunto, Japanese officers sword, type 98 with a metal scabbard. I consider it to be in good to very good condition. The blade is very well maintained with no corrosion or blemishes. I am not yet familiar with the Japanese terms for the various parts so please bear with me. I can find only one visible identifying mark. The mark is a metallic piece applied near the end of the hilt top edge surface. It is fastened over the top of silk threading and gold metallic flowers. There is a small silverish square bearing what looks similar to the English symbol for infinity ∞.