Japanese sword !! is this a legit sword?

[MrPotts]

I correct myself, ito is wrap as stated

[BOB COLEMAN]

Ito is the Japanese word for the handle wrap. The standard color for this is brown. Contact Moses Becarra at Nihonto Antiques in Miami. He can replace the ito and likely can also come up with the military menuki that go under the wrap.

[BOB COLEMAN]

Here is his contact information:
Welcome to Nihonto Antiques

[MrPotts]

Thank you I will do that

[Stu W]

This a WW2 IJA officer's sword with the scabbard painted black. It has nothing to do with the IJN. Must have been very interesting with red ito! It has nothing to do with Chinese fakes.

Indeed, and in Type 98 mounts.

You might want to have a good look at that black paint. Most post war applied latex based paints are easily removed without damaging the original coating.

Regards,
Stu

[Stu W]

... My uncle lives in Japan and he knows people who can correctly fix this. ...

Don't attempt to get that sword into Japan. Their are regulations there pertaining to Showato.

Regards,
Stu

[Stu W]

And here are a couple links you may find interesting if new to gunto.

JAPANESE MILITARY SWORDS - I

JAPANESE SHOWA ERA SWORDS

Regards,
Stu

[Stu W]

Here is another that will give you some good views of wrapped tsuka.

Military Swords of Imperial Japan (GuntM)

Regards,
Stu

[Stu W]

I see Bob has recommended Moses Becerra. I agree fully with that as Moses does outstanding work.

Regards,
Stu

[MrPotts]

So do you think the black paint was applied post war? How can I tell...thank you.for.your response, I won't send it to Japan and I'll take bobs advise!!