Japanese Manchurian Railway Samurai Sword Dated 1941 In Excellent Condition

The tang is signed with typical Mantetsu railway signature and date 'KoaIsshinMantetsu saku' ('Asia Development [in] One Spirit — Made of Manchurian Steel'), while the opposite side is dated 'Shōwa Kano-tomi Haru' ('1941 Spring'). The spine of the sword beneath the collar is serial numbered 'So 482'. 27-1/8″ cutting edge with straight temper line. Blade is in almost full polish with some minor scratches. Scabbard retains nearly all of its brown paint and lacquer, missing a tiny screw on the throat. Handle fittings retain nearly all of their original finish. Wrap still tight with some soiling. Menuki still retain some of their gilt. A superior example of this most important Japanese World War II patriotic weapon.