A World War II period Japanese officers

A World War II period Japanese officers Samurai sword in leather mounted scabbard. With pierced bronze tsuba and cloth bound shagreen grip. Blade length 68.5cm. Provenance; This sword purportedly belonged to Japanese Army Major Kobyashi, put to death for war crimes. His sword was confiscated by Flight Lt. E. O. Kennedy, R. A. F. Police. 

Sold for: £1,500