Genuine Type 98 Shin Gunto?

[TLD]

Hey all,

 

I recently picked up my first Type 98 shin gunto and just wanted to learn a bit more about it and verify that the sword is all original. So far from my research, the mountings appear to be genuine, but the relatively uniform waves of the hamon has given me doubts about the blade, however as it's my first T98 I'm not entirely sure. Also, the seller stated the fittings were of mid-war production, but the wood saya and the crude finishing work on some of the fittings leads me to believe it's actually a late war production sword. As for the signature on the tang, I think I've been able to establish the markings as "三池典太", but due to the corrosion I'm not completely certain. Anyways, any information on the sword would be greatly appreciated.

[lonely panet]

rusty mei but fresh drill mekugi is enough to say big troube in little nagoya

[Bruce Pennington]

Hi Drew, welcome to NMB!

I see no problem with the fittings.  My guess is that someone tried to bring out the hamon with an acid wash.  Doesn't mean it's a fake blade, though.  Let's see what the translators say about that mei.

@SteveM @Nobody

[SteveM]

Yes, it says 三池典太　Miike Tenta, a name of a near-legendary swordsmith from the Heian era.

 

Best to consider this one an "homage". The mei adds nothing to the sword, and most people will find it suspicious and therefore an unfortunate addition to the sword. 

[Bruce Pennington]

Thanks Steve!

 

So, Drew, a real Japanese sword, WWII fittings, with gimei signature.  Are you familiar with the practice of gimei?