My Chromed Zoheito

[Bruce Pennington]

Not a pretty sword now, but likely was when new.  In the mid to late 1930's they began making factory swords, zoheito, in an effort to crank out a large number of gunto to replace the Western styled sabers that had grown out of favor.  As Japan made their move on China, officers complained that the sabers broke in the brutal Chinese winters and their slashing attempts simply bounced off the thickly wrapped Chinese soldiers.  They didn't like the sabers, many of them single-handed, and wanted Samurai styled swords.  The Emperor approved, and the military started making them.  First the Type 94 officer sword, then the Type 95 NCO, followed by the Type 97 Navy kaigunto, then the slightly modified Type 98 Army officer's sword.  Of course, all along with these the bastard child Contingency model (Type 3; Type 44; Type 100; Marine Landing Sword - all names for the same model ... because it had no official name).  The zoheito are mumei (not signed) and all have bohi (fuller grooves). 

 

I picked this zoheito because it was chromed. Since it is chromed, there is an artificial hamon applied.  I've lost the exact years, but for 2 years in the late '30s, they tried chroming the blades, thinking it would prevent rust.  But it didn't, so they discontinued the practice.  I haven't seen many, only a couple, but they both had corrosion like mine.

 

Edited August 17 by Bruce Pennington

[TracA]

Bruce,

 

Great sword. I like it. It might not be pretty now, but it has had a life. I have an OST 5th Class that is quite beat up (heavily soiled ribbon, tarnished medal, damage to the enamel and cabochon) but it is one of my favorite items in my collection because it shows it age.

 

All the best,

 

Tracy