Antique Japanese Samurai Sword (Nihonto) in koshirae unsigned.  The sword is suriage (shortened) and was likely made during the early Edo period, around the mid to late 17th century (around 350 years old).
 
The blade is in fair polish with the irregular hamon (Clay Tempering) clearly visible throughout with abundent nie throughout.   It is of course folded in the traditional style but due to the polish it is difficult to see.  The blade is unsigned and is suriage, which means it has been shortened, as many of the earlier swords were.  Despite this it still measures 68cms in length.  The decorated habaki is a good fit and is constructed from copper with a gold wash.
 
The tsuka is also a good fit and has been restored with fresh rayskin and super tight tsukamaki.  The quality fuchi and kashira are floral themed with the menuki featuring a horse theme, all made during the Edo period.  The Edo period tsuba is of iron and features the Palownia Mon, possibly belonging to that of the famous Toyotomi clan. 
 
The saya is a late Edo period addition with some cracks, bumps and bruises as expected for it age but is still solind and intact.  The iron kojiri on the end of the saya is period with some small gold decoration still visible. 
 
Overall it is a good solid entry level into the collecting of Nihonto without breaking the budget as higher quality blades do!
 
Blade Length : 68cm
Overall Length : 93cm