WWII Japanese Army Officer Shin Gunto Sword Signed “Mutsu no Daijo Miyoshi Nagamichi”

The sword has an overall length in the scabbard of approximately 36 inches, with a blade length of approximately 20-1/2 inches. The sword blade is quite bright, showing some minor spots and scratches, and displaying a visible and distinct temper line. The tang shows surface rust and it has a single mounting hole, as well as the signature of “Mutsu no Daijo Miyoshi Nagamichi”. This identifies a smith who was at work during the pre-Edo period, and he was a very well known nihonto maker during that time. It seems that 9 subsequent generations of his family then continued to use his name when forging swords. The ray skin grip is wrapped in the traditional style with brown fabric, with the wrap showing some soiling from handling. Beneath the wrapping are the standard gilt military menuki of three cherry blossoms. The tsuba guard is the solid style, with relief cherry blossoms. The scabbard is a metal example and appears to be aluminum,  the textured brown scabbard paint shows the typical chips and scuffs. Overall very good condition.