Japanese katana sword, 1940

Japanese katana sword, 1940. With scabbard. Blade mounted in service, tachi-style mounts of World War Two. Surrendered by Gen Tamoto, Japanese Commander, to Lt Col A K Crookshank, OBE, 6MLI, 20th September, 1945, Bentong, Pahang State, Malaya. Signed blade shows area of filing and scratches. Blade is inscribed in Japanese and translates as: ?OKITSUGU ISSHIN made this blade of Manchurian steel. In springtime in the 17th year of the sexagenary cycle in the Showa period. ?Associated with World War Two, Far East (1941-1945). Date: 1945