Designed for the Imperial Japanese Army and produced by the Tokyo (Hohei Kosho) Arsenal. Stamped/engraved on the end of the hilt is a small Japanese character otherwise known as a kana placed inside a circle which tells us this piece is from series 35. Beside this symbol is serial number 4953. Blade finish-Bright with fullers. Grip shape-Contoured with screw. (The metal scabbard was discontinued in 1942).