Laird

I've been mistaken about the 'inlaid brass', under a magnifying glass it's paint. I'll take the handgrip off, and whatever is underneath should settle it.

Thanks for the information. There's clearly no question that it is Chinese rather than Japanese. Can I assume it would have been made in China for supply to the Japanese army?

I am a newbie and have owned this sword for 25 years. I only know that it is WWII, and I believe is probably an officer's sword. I have never cleaned or dismantled it. It weighs 1.38 kg unsheathed. The blade length is 67.5cms. The blade, on both sides, is decorated with inlaid brass running the full length of the blade, which I think is unusual. I am interested in all information about this sword, type, comments about the inlaid decoration etc. I would like to remove the handle but am afraid to do so. I can see the peg on one side of the handle, while on the other side it is under the binding. How would I clean it if I were to decide to do so?