8/12/20 - This is an original WW2 samurai sword (katana). The sword is a "factory made" blade which would have been issued to the equivalent of a NCO. The sword blade is excellent with some very light speckling, mostly near the tip. This is very minor and the majority of the blade is clean. There are a few very small surface scratches in various areas as well. Nice tempering down the edge of the blade. The handle wrap has been cut / semi re-wrapped as shown. This is the original wrapping though, and the handle has no cracking on the shark / ray skin under the wrap. Mekugi is in tact as well. The scabbard is excellent with solid finish throughout and completely in tact with no dents or dings.