Finely-forged Japanese noncommissioned officer's katana, a Type 95 Shin Gunto, measuring 27.5 in. from the 'kissaki' (‘tip') to the ‘habaki' (‘stop'), and 37 in. overall. The ‘tsuka’ (‘handle’) is aluminum cast and painted to resemble the traditional cloth wrapped shin-gunto swords, complete with the three ‘menuki' in the form of cherry blossoms. On the band just above the brass ‘tsuba’ (‘guard’) are three factory markings, with an intact metal locking spring tab that goes through the tsuba securing the blade to the scabbard. One of the markings has been identified as being from the Tokyo Artillery Factory. The blade bears the serial number '17096' with the matching number stamped on the mouth of the scabbard. In both areas displaying the serial number, it is accompanied by an inspection mark from the Nagoya Army Arsenal Supervisory Section. Some rust to the blade, mostly confined near the tip. The blade is housed within a brown-painted steel ‘saya' (‘scabbard') with a thin wood liner and a single army suspension ring. Moderate wear to the paint of the scabbard as well as some light rubbing to the finish of the handle, overall a very nice example.