WWII Japanese Army Pilot or Tanker Wakizashi with Leather Combat Cover

The wakizashi has an overall length in the scabbard of approximately 28 inches with a blade length of approximately 18-1/2 inches.  Size typically used by pilots or tank officers. The cleaned bright blade has a visible temper line on the cutting edge, and while the blade exhibits some inclusions it is without nicks or chips. The tang is unsigned. The tsuba is the semi-solid style with raised cherry blossoms and a single opening to accommodate the use of the leather strap that passes from the base of the grip through the opening and fastens onto the snap on the leather combat cover. The grip is covered in light ray skin, with a wrap in the traditional fashion in golden brown tape. Beneath the wrap on each side are the standard military menuki of three cherry blossoms. The wood scabbard is contained within a brown leather combat cover, which shows typical scuffs and scratches from use in the field . Overall the sword is in very good condition.