This is a WWII soldier bring back samurai sword. I will do my best to be as descriptive as possible, with the limited number of pictures.
The saya is black laquer with green sageo. There is no significant damage, though it has some chips / hit marks.
The blade measures 63cm from the tip to the blade edge of the tsuba. There is some scratching / discoloration from prior handling. There are three small areas with what appear to be starts in \"flaking\" of the top layer of steel. The most significant of these is a 5mm x 5mm spot located 6cm from the tsuba. I have included a picture of this. The hamon is visible, though the pattern is not consistent along the entire blade.
The tang is not signed. I have included pics of both sides.
The tsuba is iron with a crude basic pattern.
The fuchi is brass or bronze, with birds in flight. The high points may be gilt?
The menuki are galloping horses. The manes, tails, and bridles are gilt.
The kashira is missing! Black tape at one time kept the ito from unraveling.
The paperwork indicates this was brought back by 1st LT J. R. Machan. The paperwork was signed by Peter D. Scott, 1st LT, Air Corps, Base S-2 and is dated April 8, 1946. A side note mentions Off on duty in theatre prior to VJ day.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or requests...I\'ll do my best to further describe this. Thanks for viewing!

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