Signed Japanese Tanto Mounted For Pilot Use – Pilot / Unit Identified

Japanese Tanto measuring 14 inches overall with an 8-1/2 inch blade, bright with straight temper line. The blade with a few dark spots and a few small nicks, tang signed “Yasukuni Aug 1858”. The handle with Edo period mounts and cloth wrap in excellent condition. Brown lacquered scabbard with leather cover and leather tab connecting to the handle. Leather cover on lower grip mount is split at its seam. Leather belt hanger measures 10-1/4 inches and is in very good condition. Tanto is housed in a green silk bag showing wear and in turn is housed in a cloth bag which reads:

“Army Special Officer Candidate Ishigo Masao”
“1944 Enrolled in Army Aviation Signal School”
“1945 Assigned to Hamamatsu Air Corps”