Shipping method — The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by DHL or FedEx depend on the situation. It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Sometimes Customs or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping. I appreciate your cooperation. Item Description This is an authentic Type 98 (Kyuhachi-shiki) Japanese Military Sword Mounting (Koshirae), used by Imperial Japanese Army officers from the late 1930s through the end of World War II in 1945. The Type 98 was officially designated in 1938 (Showa 13) as the standard officer's sword, and was produced in significant numbers until Japan's surrender. This koshirae presents the classic features characteristic of the Type 98: a brown leather-wrapped wooden scabbard (saya) with age-appropriate patina, a single suspension ring (habikan) — the defining feature distinguishing the Type 98 from its predecessor, the Type 94 — and fittings throughout decorated with the iconic cherry blossom (sakura) motif. The tsuba (handguard) is cast in bronze with an elaborate cherry blossom design in high relief. The fuchi (collar) and kashira (pommel cap) are similarly adorned. The tsuka (handle) retains its original same (ray skin) wrapping beneath the traditional silk tsuka-ito braiding in a diamond-lozenge pattern. A noteworthy functional detail: pressing the cherry blossom release button on the habaki area allows the scabbard and handle assembly to be detached — an authentic mechanism original to this type. The interior currently houses a wooden practice blade (bokuto) rather than a live steel blade, making this piece fully legal to collect and ship internationally without firearms/swords licensing restrictions in most countries. This mounting is an exceptional piece of 20th-century Japanese military history and craftsmanship, offering collectors a rare, complete, and well-preserved example of Imperial Japan's finest officer sword fittings. My Message Thank you so much for looking at my item. I run a recycle shop in Japan. I joined Catawiki because I want to deliver good items full of Japanese craftsmanship and history to the world. If you have any questions about the item, please feel free to message me at any time. With gratitude to all of you — "ARIGATO" Size Overall length: approx. 96.5 cm Scabbard (Saya) length: 71.5 cm Wooden blade (Bokuto) length: 65 cm Weight 969 g Condition This piece shows honest age-related wear consistent with its wartime era — including surface oxidation and patina on the metal fittings and scabbard — but remains in remarkably good overall condition for its age, with all components intact and the cherry blossom release mechanism functioning correctly; please refer to the photographs for detailed condition reference. Artist Profile 該当なし Catawiki出品項目 Title of Artwork / Lot title: Rare WWII Imperial Japanese Army Type 98 Officer's Sword Koshirae with Cherry Blossom Fittings — Complete with Wooden Blade Condition: Good condition: some signs of wear Overall length: 96.5 cm Weight: 969 g