Is this a type 94 katana?

[partyjam3]

[Bruce Pennington]

@PNSSHOGUN

John would be the guy to answer your question, but in the "combat" saya, or informal saya as Ohmura calls it, there is little to judge it by except the width of the tsuba (handguard).  He knows the millimeters of the thicker tsuba.

 

It is a WWII Japanese army officer sword of the 94/98 category.  Made in 1944.  Someone else can give you the smith's name.

 

Any small stamps on either side, or on the back edge?

[PNSSHOGUN]

Solid Tsuba, poorer quality fittings - it's a Type 98 circa 1944/45.

[partyjam3]

  On 6/13/2024 at 1:11 PM, Bruce Pennington said:

Any small stamps on either side, or on the back edge?

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Yes there’s a tiny little stamps right above the Smith signature, but I can’t get it to show up on camera.

[ROKUJURO]

Matt,

this is the NIHONTO section (genuine traditionally made swords). Your sword is better dealt with in the MILITARY section.