japanese mini sword / letter opener

[ivan salis]

this was found amoung items from my long dead father in laws stuff -- he was in papua new ginuea in WW2 -- i think it might be a war sovie but and not sure -- its handle and case are laquared wood --the blade seems to be high carbon steel --its marked -JAPAN - HI -TEST

 

[dg39]

These were popular imports to the U.S. during the 1950's as letter openers. There was a small tassle on the end where the grommet is. The letter opener had a wood scabbard to match. I t is a nice item.
DG