As mentioned by another, this is an officer's sword, not an NCO sword. I didn't see a Showa or Seiki stamp above the mei (signature), so it may be a traditionally made blade. You might try asking at the link below regarding the mei and the quality of the sword (will need some better close-ups for the latter). It's best not to ask about value on this linked site, the members are generally crusty, hard core traditional Nihonto (Japaneseicon sword) devotees and don't react well to what they might perceive as monetary as opposed to aesthetic interest (not to imply this is true about you, but just be forewarned!).

http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/