Description
VINTAGE WWII JAPANESE MANTETSU SWORD
This vintage WWII Japanese Mantetsu sword carries extraordinary battlefield history. Most notably, it absorbed both a .45 caliber bullet strike and shrapnel damage during combat. Based on the intact saya, the Japanese soldier who carried this sword likely drew it before entering a banzai charge, which explains why the scabbard shows no damage.
Furthermore, the bullet impact—possibly from a Thompson submachine gun—appears further up the blade. In addition, shrapnel from artillery or a grenade destroyed the habaki and also struck the tsuba. Together, these combat scars create a powerful and authentic wartime narrative.
SIGNATURE, MEASUREMENTS & MECHANICS
The tang bears the signature “KOA ISSHIN MANTETSU SAKU,” which translates to “Develop Asia by One Mind – Mantetsu respectfully made this.” The reverse side of the nakago carries a date, and the spine of the nakago also displays markings.
The blade measures 26 5/16″ (66.8 cm), calculated properly from the blade tip to the notch in the blade spine.
Importantly, the sword locks tightly into the saya, and the release mechanism functions perfectly. As a result, the mounting remains solid and mechanically sound despite its battlefield damage.
MANTETSU SWORDS – HISTORY & QUALITY
The South Manchurian Railway Company (Mantetsu) produced these high-quality oil-temed Shin Gunto blades for Japanese officers between approximately 1937 and 1945. To meet wartime demand for durable swords, Mantetsu engineered blades using specialized Manchurian steel.
Manufacturer: Mantetsu operated out of Dairen, China, and focused on producing exceptionally strong officer swords during WWII.
Steel Quality: Craftsmen forged these blades from high-grade Manchurian steel and frequently used a distinctive “rod-in-tube” construction method. Consequently, Mantetsu blades often proved superior to many other wartime Showato swords.
Signature Markings: Most examples bear the “Koa Isshin Mantetsu Saku” signature on the tang, which collectors immediately recognize.
Production Era: Mantetsu produced the majority of these swords between 1937 and 1945.
Collectibility: Today, collectors highly prize Mantetsu swords for their strength, workmanship, and historical significance. In fact, wartime demand ran so high that officers often joined waiting lists to obtain one.
Overall, this example combines superior Mantetsu craftsmanship with unmistakable battlefield history, making it an exceptional and highly desirable collector piece.
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