In excellent all matching condition we have a 1944 pattern also known as “last Ditch variation 1” Japanese Army NCO Sword. This magnificent specimen was clearly carried in service as it has the very hard to find leather NCO Tassel and a very rare wool combat cover and the very rare rubberized canvas sword hanger and belt attachment piece which you just never see. This sword would have been made in late 1944 to very early 1945 and it was certainly issued as it was fitted out. These NCO swords we fitted with machine made blades and this one is very crude but still matching numbered to the scabbard and it also has an inspection mark on the blade by the number.
It is interesting to note that even at this late date when Japan was in dire shape that these swords were still being manufactured using valuable resources that were needed in so many other more vital areas. I think that this speaks to the Japanese Samurai Warrior ethos and that this was still an extremely important cultural component of how they viewed warfare and their role in it. These late war swords are extremely rare and this is a real find especially the way it is fitted out.
