Imperial Japanese NCO Sword

25-1/4 in. blade signed on both sides of the tang, copper habaki below a cast brass tsuba with chrysanthemum motifs; the grip sheathed in ray skin, fitted with chysantemum menuke and wrapped in cord below a pierced copper pommel; the wooden scabbard sheathed with protective leather and supporting one suspension ring.
Overall length 39 3/4 in.
Collection of a North Carolina Gentleman
Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.lelandlittle.com

The blade is generally clean, thought the tang has areas of rusting on both sides; the grip stained from handling; the ray skin split midway down the grip; the wartime metal scabbard with much of its paint worn away.