RAREST Unknown type pattern of the late war 1944 Japanese NCO Sword

This is a very rare sword. I spoke to several high level Japanese sword dealers and none has seen this pattern. It is a late war 1944 NCO pattern sword, but the handle appears to be highly lacquered wood or made of a type of plastic. The blade is numbered but there are no numbers on the other parts but the original paint and the wear shows that these pieces have been together since the war.

The condition is really superb throughout. The scabbard is made of an uncommon type of vulcanized rubber or plastic.

A very rare sword for the advanced Japanese sword collector.

Overall length is 39", blade is 26 3/4"