Measures 25 - 3/4" from tip of kissaki to munemachi; iori mune. Classic shinogi zukuri form with oil quenched suguha hamon and muji hada. Nakago with 2 mekugi-ana, drilled, with katte sagari yasurime. Dated 3rd Month of Showa 20, which becomes March 1945, and signed Yoshimune. Blade has been roughly cut at the nakagojiri leaving a kiri nakagojiri. Late war mounts with one piece koijiri with simple floral on a roe ground, single hanger with so-called ersatz strap, and koiguchi with roe pattern. Plain tsuba. Fuchi and kabuto-gane in floral-and-roe pattern. Tsuka-ito traditionally woven over rayskin same and chrysanthemum menuki. Sarute with black sword knot for Army field officers. CONDITION: Blade is out of polish with yokote polished out. Scattered areas of mossing and handling marks, including rough attempts at sharpening and polish. Very tip of kissaki is malformed. Mounts are good with expected rubs to high edges and late war casting quality. Saya has numerous scrapes to paint. Tsuka ito is good, tight, knot has some discoloration but complete. PROVENANCE: Roger Bender Collection. EMW Blade Length: 25 - 3/4" Overall Length: 38 - 1/8"