Description
Katana or Shin Gunto of the Imperial Japanese Army Officer made by Ishihara Yoshisada. Due to the structure of the Koshirae and the blade, we can affirm that it is a Type 98 of artisan manufacture that preserves all its original parts.
Japanese katana from World War II.
The Koshirae or structure
The scabbard (鞘Saya) is preserved in very good condition with a reddish brown color.
The format of the metal guard (鍔Tsuba) indicates that it is a model from the middle of the war due to its shape and ornate structure. It has four Seppa, three of them with the same “2” marking.
The opening button (Chuso) works perfectly keeping the katana closed.
The braiding (柄糸Tsukaito) of the hilt (柄Tsuka) is of the Morohinerimaki type. Between the framework there are two Menuki 目貫, one on each side. The inner stingray fish (鮫Same) skin is in good condition, except for a few worn spots. It also contains the original upper metal piece (頭Kashira) with an ornate shape and the ornate necklace (縁Fuchi) located above and below the Tsuba, both in good condition.
The Nagasa or blade
The blade is handmade and not mass produced, so we can specify the following characteristics.
The overall shape of the blade is Shinogi-zukuri like most shin gunto.
The temple around the edge (刃文Hamon) is of the Midare (irregular) type.
The pattern of the steel of the blade (地肌 Jiada) is Muji type (flat or smooth).
The countercut (棟Mune) is Ihori type (a single open angle)
The angle change of the tip of the blade (切先Kissaki) is Chu (intermediate) type.
The tang (茎Nakago) reads the craftsman’s signature (名Mei), contains a hole (目釘孔Mekugi-Ana).
The Mei or signature
The Nakago reads the name (Mei) of the artisan Ishihara Yoshisada saku (石原義定作). It is written in cursive (Sosho).
