WWII Japanese Pilot or Tanker Wakizashi Short Sword in Leather Combat Cover

The wakizashi short sword has an overall length in the scabbard of approximately 25 inches, with a blade length of approximately 15-1/2 inches. The blade is generally clean, showing spots and surface grime but displaying a distinct and artistically irregular temper line. The blade tang is unsigned. The copper blade collar bears a deep and vivid cross hatched design. The pierced tsuba guard bears a subtle etched decorative design. The grip is light sharkskin, showing some cracks, with leather wrapping over the sharkskin instead of the usual fabric. The grip has a dragon figural menuki on each side. The grip collar and the pommel also have relief decorative embellishments. The lacquered wooden scabbard is within its brown leather combat cover, one side of which bears an old and largely blank paper label. The cover shows scuffs and a small piece missing at the base.