Signed WWII Japanese Army Officer Shin Gunto Sword in Fabric Combat Cover

The sword has an overall length in the scabbard of approximately 39 inches with a blade length of approximately 26 inches. The blade is relatively bright, with some scratches and surface dirt, but without nicks or chips, no visible temper line. The tang is signed 'Tomatsu Kaneharu'. His real name was Tomatsu Naotarō, born October 14th 1917. The tsuba is the semi-solid style with gilt finish and cherry blossom motif and a single opening to accommodate the possible use of a leather strap that would have passed through the opening and fastened onto a snap on a leather combat cover.. The grip is covered in light ray skin, with a wrap in the traditional fashion in dark brown tape. Beneath the wrap on each side are the standard military menuki with three cherry blossoms. The metal scabbard is contained within a heavy, olive brown, cotton combat cover . Overall the sword is in very good condition.