Antique WW2 Japanese Type 98 Shin Gunto Officers Katana Sword Toki Kanemasa

This is an authentic antique World War II Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) Type 98 Shin Gunto officer's katana. The piece represents a significant historical artifact from the Showa era (1926-1945), featuring a combat-style design widely carried by military officers during the war.

The blade is attributed to the swordsmith Toki Kanemasa Saku (real name Toki Yoshihira, 1897-1980), who operated in the Gifu Prefecture. This piece is a documented arsenal blade manufactured specifically to support the wartime efforts of the Imperial Japanese Army. It displays the classic physical characteristics typical of his mid-century military production, including visible signs of aging, wear, and patina on both the blade surface and the historical fittings. The unpolished blade remains in an as-found state, exhibiting dark pitting, areas of active oxidation, and surface rust spots.

The sword retains its original military mounts, including the guard (tsuba), wrapped hilt (tsuka), and protective scabbard (saya). The entire assembly shows extensive, distinct historical weathering. The metallic guard (tsuba) and washers (seppa) display prominent green verdigris/oxidation, the fabric hilt wrap shows expected age-related discoloration, and the outer finish of the scabbard shows heavy peeling, chipping, and wear that exposes the base material underneath.

Key Features:

• Historical Designation: Authentic Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) Type 98 Shin Gunto officer's sword
• Swordsmith Provenance: Attributed by documentation to Toki Kanemasa Saku (Toki Yoshihira, 1897-1980)
• Era of Production: Active production period spanning the Showa era (1926-1945) in Gifu Prefecture
• Blade Condition: Unpolished arsenal blade displaying authentic historical patina, dark pitting, and rust spots consistent with age
• Traditional Mounts: Features original military-style wrapped handle (tsuka) over ray skin showing natural wear
• Hardware: Includes matching historical metallic guard (tsuba) displaying authentic green oxidation/verdigris
• Matching Scabbard: Provided with its accompanying original protective scabbard (saya) displaying heavy surface peeling and chipping from field wear

ITEM IS IN PRE-OWNED CONDITION, REFER TO PHOTOS FOR THE EXACT CONDITION AND INCLUSIONS.