Bidspirit auction | 1940 Mantetsu Type 98 Japanese

1940 Mantetsu Type 98 Japanese Officer's Sword - Japanese Army Type 98 shin-gunto officer's sword manufactured in spring 1940 by the South Manchuria Railway Company at its Central Research Institute. The tang carries the Koa Isshin Mantetsu inscription, Showa 15 spring date, and factory code Ro 7. Curved 27-inch steel blade with habaki, brown cord-wrapped ray-skin grip, sakura-form menuki, sarute, and a five-piece brass guard assembly comprising the tsuba and four seppa, with matching assembly number 56. Retains its olive-drab painted steel saya with a single suspension mount. Measures 38 3/4 inches overall in the scabbard. CONDITION: Blade shows polishing scratches, scattered oxidation and staining, with concentrated pitting near the tip. Tang has oxidation. Grip wrapping is soiled and worn with localized fraying. Scabbard has scratches, abrasions, paint loss, and oxidation. Fittings show finish loss, oxidation, and patination.