Antique Japanese Samurai Sword (Nihonto) in Shirasaya with Koshirae and NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho papers.  
 
The Blade
The blade is in excellent polish with the hamon (Clay Tempering)  in gunome based on nioi(tiny powder like carbide structures).  It is of course folded in the traditional style with mokume Hada (wood burl grain structure) visible.  The unsigned nakago(Tang) is suriage (shortened), and as can be seen by the age of the tang, and other features of the blade, the sword was made around the mid to late 1500's (Late Muromachi Period).  The NBTHK (Society for the preservation of the Japanese Sword) has awarded this blade Hozon (worthy of preservation) and has attributed it to the "Sueseki".   The Sue-Seki swordsmiths were active in the Mino province in the late Muromachi period.  Their blades were reputably popular amoung Samurai for their sharpness and cutting ability. The blade is housed in a new Shirasaya (blade protective mountings) with horn accents.
 
The Koshirae
The tsuka ito (Handle Binding) is of excellent quality and fashioned from silk.  The Ito is very tight and secure, with the samegawa (rayskin) featuring the higher quality emperor node and the full rayskin wrap. The menuki, fuchi and kashira are quality modern reproduction.  The iron wind and drums themed Tsuba was made during the Edo period and is a little loose which is common for antique Japanese swords.  The modern saya (Scabbard) is a good fit with a hand full of dents and scratched, but still looks good.  The Koshirae has a quality matching Tsunagi (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 : 67cm
Overall Length : 98cm