WW2 JAPANESE N.C.O. SHIN GUNTO KATANA, L 26 1/2" (BLADE)

A WW2 era Japanese NCO Shin Gunto katana having a cast aluminum hilt. Characters stamped on the fuchi. No visible numbering on the blade, we cannot disassemble as the pin has been hammered into place. Includes a wooden scabbard wrapped in leather that may not be original to the sword. Overall length of 38".
Condition: Painted color of the hilt has mostly worn off. The blade has observable pitting throughout and a number of small chips at the blade's edge. The leather of the scabbard has scratches and cracking. Scabbard appears to be missing a portion at the top.