Lot 8:
WWII Japanese Imperial Army Type 98 Officer Shin-gunto Katana Signed Yamakawa Hachiro
Sold for: $1,900
Description
This Japanese katana is an Imperial Japanese Army Type 98 officer sword produced during the WWII era. The hand-forged steel blade displays a wood-grain grain pattern known as itame hada and a visible temper line or hamon. The tang is signed with four incised characters reading Yamakawa Hachiro (山川八郎). The sword features a brass collar or habaki. The handle is wrapped in off-white silk cord in a diamond pattern over black-dyed ray skin, featuring brass cherry blossom menuki and a floral-patterned fuchi and kashira with an attached sarute loop. The handguard is a standard Army-issue pierced brass tsuba in the aoi shape with cherry blossom motifs. The steel scabbard is finished in olive-drab paint and features brass mounts including a single hanging point and an ornate kojiri.
Blade Length: 27.5 inches
Total Length: 40.5 inches.
Condition report:
The blade displays numerous fine surface scratches and localized areas of oxidation and residue. The handle cord is soiled and frayed from use. The scabbard shows substantial paint loss, with large chips and abrasions exposing the base metal. Brass components have an aged patina and minor wear to the gilding.
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