Serial numbers matching blade and scabbard is a good thing.This is a later model NCO sword. The tsuba or handgaurd is blackened steel instead of the earlier fancier detailed brass.Although true conneseurs of hand forged samurai blades view these pieces as worthless or poor quality they are a good way for those interested in WW11 history to learn from and often lead to a deeper interest and appreciation of the Japanese sword and the beauty and skill required to create a hand forged blade. Best wishes Geoff.
