Assistance with this Type 98

[Frank M]

I'm new to this having inherited this type 98 and want to know if my research was correct. To me this comes in as a late (1945) war type 98. The tang is unmarked along with blackened iron tusba, seppa and pommel. Any of the more experienced collectors spot anything that stands out besides the interesting scabbard cover? Thank you for your assistance. 

[Frank M]

[PNSSHOGUN]

Hi Frank, interesting sword, thanks for sharing. The cover was likely made in the field from salt water crocodile skin, perhaps on one of the major islands of the former Dutch East Indies. Here is a Kai Gunto surrendered on Balikpapan with a similar field made cover from crocodile skin. Do you have any further information about how it was acquired?

 

The blade itself may have have potential, there is significant machi-okuri (habaki moved up to create a longer handle) which looks to have been done fairly crudely. Keep it oiled with a light gun oil and whatever you do, don't attempt any restoration yourself.