WW II Imperial Japanese Navy Kai Gunto Sword

This is a Japanese navy Kai Gunto sword as worn by a Japanese officer during WW II. The handle is wrapped in brown cloth and has a brown officer tassel attached. Under the wrap is black sa-me which simulates the skin of a sting ray. The cherry blossom menuki is also wrapped under the brown cloth. The scabbard is black lacqered and has brass fittings. The interesting thing about this sword is that it still has the original linen surrender tag attached to one of the suspension rings. This was done in hopes that the sword would be returned to the family sometime after the war. Some blades were family heirlooms. Swords were highly sought after by U.S. troops as a souvenir.