Bob,I must agree with with you.I have recently found a piece,granted not an NCO piece,but a late war sword with black iron fittings,lacquered Ito,and a chocolate brown rough textured Saya.I have posted it as "Tang translation needed"I have always heard that these late war blades were of inferior quality.This blade has an unusual curvature,and a polishers marks.Much different from the other swords of this nature I have.The tang markings are also different.For lack of a better term,they are more "Swirly" I would like your opinion.Best wishes ,Geoff.
