K205 Japanese WWll Army pilot, tank crew sword "Bizen Hikobei Kiyomitsu"

Description

This is a Japanese WWll Army pilot or tank crew sword in mountings.
The blade is signed "Bizen koku ju Osafune Hikobei Kiyomitsu  備前国住長船彦兵衛尉清光"
,
shinogi-zukuri
shape, muromachi period ca.1550 era made blade.
The blade is in old polish, no rust, no stain and in good condition.  The temper line is attractive
gunome-choji
with
tobiyaki
temper pattern throughout the blade and has deep temper at the point.      The forging grain is tight
itame-hada
, no openeing, no blister and no forging flaws
.
The scabbard is leather-covered wood. It is in good condition with no tears, no cracks, or dents.     The handle is tightly fit,
the
tsuka-ito
wrapping has no cuts, is not loose and is in good condition.
Tsuba
is
marugata
shape iron
tsuba
with nice patina.    It measures 20+5/8" cutting edge, 1" width, 5.5 mm thickness at the notch and 31" in mountings.     This kind of short swords was carried by Army pilot or tank crews to fit in small cock pit.     Priority mail shipping  in U.S.    No international shipping.  Paypal payment due within 3 days auction end.