⭕ This is a Japanese WW II army officers sword in type 98 mountings. The blade is signed Oite Sobudai shita, Kurihara Akihide saku kore , dated Koki nisen roppayaku ni nen hachigatsu hi(August 1943), shinogi-zukuri tachi shape blade. Akihides real name is Kurihara Hikosaburo and become Tochigi Prefectures elected representative for the Lower House. During this time, he became active in the establishment of the Nihonto Tanren Densyujo which was under his direction. He is rated 1.5 million Yen smith in John Sloughs book page 17. The blade is traditional hand forged, water tempered blade, and in old polish, shows aged fine scratches on surface but in good condition. The temperline is wavy gunome with choji-ashi active temper pattern throughout the blade and has deep komaru temper at the point. The forging grain is tight komokume-hada and no loose grain. There is no bend, no nicks, no cracks, no forging flaws and the cutting edge is sharp. The scabbard is heavy metal scabbard, no dents and in good condition. The handle is tight fit and tsuka-ito wrapping is also in good condition. The tsuba and seppa has matched number 34 stamped and has silver quince flower family mon (family crest) which belong to Magaribuchi family on kabutogane. The habaki is silver foiled on copper habaki. The lock mechanism works fine. It measures 25 1/2 cutting edge, 26 1/4 tip to the guard, 1 1/4 width, 1/4 thickness at the notch and 38 in mountings.