Dear Scott, Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry. My sincere apologies for the delay with the appraisal. The presented object appears to be a Japanese "Shin Gunto" sword of a member of the Imperial Japanese Army or Navy in the WWII period. This sword which means "new military sword" was designed in memory of the Japanese sword tradition and in usage between 1935 and 1945 for the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy. This sword has a leather-wrapped scabbard which was common for a member of a cavalry unit. Partly older parts were used like here the Tsuba. Such swords came as trophies of GI after WWII in high numbers to the United States. This piece is in medium condition and there is no serious damage visible in the images provided. A fair market estimation would be between 120 to 300 USD. This estimate is based on actual recent past recorded auction sales of comparable items. Retail "asking prices" can be higher and may vary. With kind regards, George
