Sword wonder

I’ve been told by some that u can take a chop stick & pass it threw the Handel to hold it back on the tang . I was told it’s as u stated the wood was for it to rest on a mantle or to save it

Not sure about when or where he pick it up as he passed away many many years ago when I was a lot younger . Again the story of it being a bring back may have been just been what was thought of where it came from. It was amongst things they had kept after his passing . A type 14 nabu pistol & a Japanese flag along with the wrap the blade was wrapped in with a tie around it also a fan that has been broken threw the years

The cutting edge seems to be around 21 inches entire length of steel is 26 1/2

Thanks guys it’s a short sword I can get it measured if needed . I absolutely know nothing about it . Also my plan weren’t to touch it much I was just trying to get info on it . Maker , maybe some dating or even if it was someone’s personal sword or military of some kind . Not sure of value but it will probably stay with me for awhile since it was my grandfathers bring back from the story that came with it

This is my grandpaws sword I received from my aunt. The story I was told is he brought it back after the war and was believed to have served in the pacific maybe the Philippines. This is the only identification on the blade under the wooden Handel. And help with info on this would be appreciate it THANKS