it could have been (be) a real katana, a replica, or a japanese com/non-com officer blade from the Deuce.
if you get a chance, examine the blade under good light. if it has a "hamon" - a wavy line that is part of the steel itself (not an etching) about midway between edge and the side flats, it might be a real katana. I can post illustrations if you'd like.
Yes, please do, and I will print them out...my son has all of his granddads swords, so he will have to look...is price any indication of whether or not its real?