Probably Mino or Hizen in origin.
The mounts are Shin Gunto (New Army) style, this is when the Japanese forces reverted to ancient Tachi style away from the Kyu Gunto which based on the Wilkinson style British military mounts.
The Mon is Silver and of the 'Tsuru' { Crane} this was used by the Kimotsuke and Takekoshi clans and would have cost the officer around one months pay.
Although I cannot find the letter(It was over twenty years ago) my notes say that it was the sword of an officer tried for war crimes in Borneo, his crime was involved in the Sandakan death march, It came from a Mrs Wilson of Kent.
Had this one a few years now and its time to pass it on i think. Looking to get back what i paid for it so your looking at a price of around £1600 but i am open to negotiations, better photos supplied to interested buyers
