Additional pictures, any idea what the scabbard script says? How about the tag on the hanger loop?

I will also not the edge of the blade has a wavy appearance so I am guessing it is a hand forged blade?


Thanks,
Jim

 

Additional pictures, any idea what the scabbard script says?

The sword bag has an address for Gunma Prefecture 群馬県.
群馬郡伊香保町 Gunma District, Ikaho Town.
Ikaho, Gunma

 

From your pictures I can see the small circular piece that holds the grip in place. All that needs to be done is push the part out and the grip will come off. The tang will then have the maker's "signature". Put all the parts back together as you removed them and insert the circular part. Not hard to do and damage is unlikely. There are correct Japanese names for the parts, but you can find the correct terms online.

 

Isn't this a type 94? It looks to be with the twin ashi (suspension) mounts? Very nice... if a type 94 then it’s for sure a keeper! Aluminum handle? Is the tuba thicker than usual....

 

Isn't this a type 94?

Yes, an early Type 94 Military Sword. Jim also posted some pictures of the same sword at the link below.
WWII Japanese Shin Gunto? Need Japanese language translation

 

No chickened out, wasn't sure if the price was too high or not. The grip was not aluminum but the one Japanese sword I do have has the aluminum handle, it is for sure a keeper, looks good with my helmet and type 14. All the WWII Japanese stuff I have.

Jim

 

The aluminium or copper handles were on the senior NCO's swords. The sword shown here is of course an officers sword. It has a pierced tsuba (gurad9, and this was an optional extra, and usualy a sign of a better quality blade. The sowrd loks in really nice condition too. The two ashi (hanging rings on the scabbard) are rather rare.
It looks to be a nice piece.