WWII Japanese Army NCO Shin-Gunto Sword

World War II period Japanese Army NCO’s shin gunto sword. The sword has the painted aluminum handle on which approximately 50% of the olive brown paint remains intact on the imitation lacing. The silver paint on the imitation ray skin is approximately 80% intact, as is the gilt paint on the menuki. The fuchi hilt collar bears the mark of the Kokura arsenal as well as a Kokura Arsenal inspection stamp and the Iijima Token Seisakusho maker’s mark. The blade bears a number as does the scabbard throat. The numbers are not matching. The blade is bright overall with some pepper spots, but no nicks or active rust. Interestingly, the scabbard is nickel plated, an unusual variation in an NCO sword. The blade is approximately 26 1/2 inches long, with an overall length of approximately 36 inches.