Antique Japanese Samurai Sword (Nihonto) in Shirasaya with Koshirae and NBTHK (Hozon, worthy of preservation) papers.  Also the Tsuba has Tokubetsu Kicho papers.  
 
The Blade
The blade is in excellent polish with the hamon (Clay Tempering) in Suguha (straight) style with konie(small "star" like carbide structures).  It is of course folded in the traditional style with Ko-Itame Hada (grain structure) visible.  The signed nakago(Tang) is ubu (un-shortened).  The signature reads "Mutsu Shirakawa Omi Sawahara Shigetani", Which translates to Sawahara Shigetani of the Shirakaya Clan, of the Mutsu Province.  "On a day in February, 4th Year of Koka"(1847).  The NBTHK (Society for the preservation of the Japanese Sword) has awarded this blade Hozon, "Worthy of Preservation".   Shigetani was a pupil of the famous Noatane and was said to be one of his best disciples.  The habaki is a blackened silver foil and compliments the dark steel beautifully.  The blade is housed in a new Shirasaya (blade protective mountings).
 
The Koshirae
The tsuka ito (Handle Binding) is tight and secure with samegawa (rayskin) featuring the higher quality emperor node. The fuchi, kashira and menuki were probably made during the Edo period and feature crows on the farm.    The sukashi style iron Tsuba was made during the Edo period and has been awarded Tokubetsu Kicho by the NBTHK attesting to its authenticity and delicate quality .  The saya (Scabbard) is a good fit with a hand full of dents and scratches, but still looks good.  The Koshirae has a quality matchingTsunagi (exact replica of the blade in timber) to retain them for display.

We strongly recommend this sword as it is papered, and in exceptional condition which makes it very collectable.  With the blade in a shirasaya and matching koshirae it makes a classy and wonderful display, fit for a museum.
 
Blade Length : 62.5cm
Overall Length of Koshirae : 97cm