Dear Jennifer,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry. My sincere apologies for the delay with the apprisal.

The presented object appears to be a WWII period Japanese short sword an Wakizashi with a total length of 21 3/4". This Wakizashi comes with a wooden scabbard and a note in Japanese character on a paper label. The blade appears to be of minor quality in comparison to the tsuba, the menuki and the fuchi appear to be of better quality. Japanese swords consist out of many removable parts so all parts can be from different periods and makers. This blade was probably made in the 20th century while the other parts can be older.
This piece is in bad condition and there is no serious damage visible in the images provided.
A fair market estimation would be between 150 to 300 USD.
This estimate is based on actual recent past recorded auction sales of comparable items. Retail "asking prices" can be higher and may vary.

With kind regards,
Georg