This is a traditionally made Japanese gendaitō dating to the Shōwa period (WWII era). The blade measures 24.125 inches (nagasa) with a classic shinogi-zukuri form, visible yokote, and an active midare hamon showing good activity in the steel. The hada presents as itame, confirming that this is a hand-forged sword and not a mass-produced showatō.  The nakago remains untouched and bears no mekugiana, meaning the sword was never mounted with a tsuka. This strongly suggests it was removed directly from the smith or arsenal and brought back to the U.S. by a returning GI before it could be finished for military service. The nakago retains its natural patina and is unsigned (mumei).  The sword is accompanied by a plain, field-grade saya, but no tsuka was ever fitted. Such never-mounted bring-backs are rare, representing swords halted in production as the war ended in 1945.  Condition: Blade is in a bright polish, with hamon and hada well visible. Nakago shows natural aging with no alterations. Saya displays handling wear consistent with its age.  An unusual WWII-era gendaitō that was never drilled, never mounted, and brought back in unissued condition — a rare and desirable artifact of the period.