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Antique Japanese Katana, Unsigned, in Shirasaya with Papers

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:2,000.00 USD
Antique Japanese Katana, Unsigned, in Shirasaya with Papers
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Antique Japanese Katana, Unsigned, in Shirasaya with Papers. Nice mumei shinogi-zukuri-shaped katana, with a notare O-choji hamon of nioi and nie, chu-kissaki with o-maru boshi and small turn back. The hada is a tight mokume pattern that is muji in some areas. It has a large bohi groove running the full length of the blade from just past the yokote line into the tang. The nakako is o-suriage mumei with three mekugi-ana holes. Blade length is 68.7cm(27-1/16"). The blade has a very nice high quality two-piece habaki that is covered with gold foil over silver alloy. The blade is housed in a wooden shirasaya resting scabbard. The blade has two sets of NBTHK green Tokubetsu-Kicho papers dated Showa 52 and 53 (1977-1978) that attribute the sword to "Hizen Yukihiro", along with a printout from a Japanese dealer showing pictures of the sword and info, and a copy of the Japanese Police registration torokusho. There were seven generations of Hizen Yukihiro sword smiths, the first three were highly rated. This sword could be from the one of the first three generations working in the Shinto period, from 1645 to 1711. Condition is excellent, the sword in a good state of polish with minor spots stains probably from old dried oil, and light rust stains inside the bohi and on the ji towards the middle and bottom of the blade. There are a few light scratches in a couple of places. The nakago has a nice dark brown patina, typical of Shinto era swords. The shirasaya has some light dings and gouges, and light soiling and age. The habaki is in excellent condition. Est.: $4,000-$5,000.