Pomwah

Thank you all. Not looking too closely into the sword is probably a good idea. Even so, I'd like to know if it is a fake or not, it's a talking point if nothing else.

Greetings, I have little knowledge of Nihonto but I have been fortunate enough to lay my hands on a sword. It was, apparently, brought to Australia, after WWII from New Guinea, having been used by a Japanese Army officer. Is it an authentic item? It is in poor condition generally even having been bent. Can anyone shed some light on the sword. I'd like to remove the handle to examine the tang to determine if there is a maker's mark but have yet to find a description of the correct method to do so. The photos aren't great, happy to take more to aid identification.