My father in law brought two Officers swords home from the war. He was stationed in the Philippines where he became friends with one of the prisoners. The prisoner died while in the camp. He had given these to my father in law. They have been wrapped up and kept in the closet of his home.
As I earlier stated, they belonged to a Japanese prisoner stationed in the Philippines. He gave these to my father in law, who befriended him.
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry. This is a Japanese Gunto sword made in the World War Two era. These were issued commonly to officers, and also to more standard soldiers. It has a "Seki" stamp on the tang, which indicates that this particular blade was made using non-traditional methods. It was likely machine-made. The blade appears to be in excellent condition, but there is some active rust on the tang. The Tsuba and Seppa pieces also exhibit some advanced levels of corrosion. The ray-skin and wrapping on the hilt are also in excellent shape. Given the condition of this piece and that it appears to be missing its sheath, as well as completed auctions of similar items, a fair market estimation is 1,000-1,100 dollars. Please reach out with any questions.
Bo Stuck