Is Anyone Able to Identify the Age of this Refitted Blade?

[Asterperious]

Hi everyone,

 

I recently acquired this Type 98 named to 2nd Lt. Saito, when I disassembled it I noticed that it was unsigned and appears to be refitted. I was wondering if this was an older blade or a result of late war type 98 production? 

 

Thanks! 

 

[Asterperious]

[Bruce Pennington]

I'm the wrong guy to say.  All I know is to look at the patina, or age rust build-up on the nakago.  Going by that, I'd say this blade isn't older than WWII; but that's not always a good thing to go by as I've seen some older blades without rust.

 

Hopefully the real experts will help you.

[Brian]

Wartime Showato.

[Asterperious]

Thanks for the input!!