Original WWII Japanese Army Type 95 NCO Katana Sword with Matching Serial Number 95772 U.S. Documents & Books so the handguard is original

so the handguard is original as well

Foster Stanbary but have been unable to identify an Army Division for this squad

Army division

identified by its "open top" design (no top strap over the cylinder)

with a lovely etched 32 1/2" inch long "Pipe backed" blade

Original WWII Japanese Army Type 95 NCO Katana Sword with Matching Serial Number 95772 U.S. Documents & Books so the handguard is originalOriginal Item: Only One Available. The end of WWII marked the beginning of the sword ownership ban in Japan. By law, Japanese citizens were forbidden to own swords. General McArthur did not want the general population to be able to arm again. Most soldiers and citizens surrendered their swords to the American occupying forces. The Americans destroyed a large number of swords by dumping them into the ocean or by melting them. But a small percentage