9/3/24 - This is a great Type 98 Japanese Officer's katana. The blade on this katana is in great condition and the hamon (temper line) is visible. The blade does have some oxidation markings caused from fingerprints, but has no active oxidation. The tsuba (hand guard) on this blade is loose. The blade on this katana is unsigned, but has been dated to the 1800's and was most likely forged around the time of the Satsuma Rebellion. The Satsuma Rebellion is most notably known for the Battle of Shiroyama, which was depicted in the 2003 film The Last Samurai. The battle was a victory for the Imperial Japanese forces and ultimately ended the rebellion and as a result ended the age of the samurai. This blade was then fitted for use in WW2, and is in the furniture associated with the Type 98 Shin Gunto. This sword does come with a very interesting and original scabbard, that is made of bamboo, with a suede leather covering and a ray skin wrap at the top of the scabbard.
