This is an original WW2 Japanese NCO's Katana and scabbard. The sword has the typical aluminium cast handle with lanyard ring and fully functioning scabbard retaining clip. The hilt retains some of its original brown paint. Its early, fullered, 27 ½” blade is stamped on one side '50445' and with inspection mark (later examples were stamped on the spine). The blade has no damage and is clean. The hilt is stamped with Lijima Swords Factory roundel with crossed swords mark and inspection mark together with Kokura arsenal mark (see pages 185 & 186 of Swords Of Imperial Japan by Dawson). The hilt’s sarute loop was found fitted with original leather strap with barrel knot. The strap and knot are clean and intact (the leather was a little dry with age and we have removed it from the hilt to leather feed it). The hilt's locking catch works as it should. The sword is complete with its original scabbard which has a single hanging ring. The scabbard retains most of its original olive green paint finish. The throat of the scabbard is stamped with matching number. This piece is clearly a WW2 bring back, surrendered or recovered from the battlefield. The price includes UK delivery. Sn 22842
£895.00