I NOTICE THERE IS AN EXTRA HOLE CUT IN TO THE TSUBA. LIKELY, THE NCO ATTACHED A ROPE OR LEATHER THING THROUGH THIS HOLE TO RETAIN THE BLADE BY THE WRIST.
THESE BLADES ARE ILLEGAL TO OWN IN JAPAN WITH ONE EXCEPTION. THEY CAN BE RETAINED AS A FAMILY HEIRLOOM WITH PROOF BACK TO THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF HIM BEING A BLOOD RELATION. THE SAME IS TRUE FOR NON TRADITIONAL WW2 ERA OFFICER SWORDS. IN BOTH CASES, THEY MUST BE REGISTERED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
