Antique Japanese Tachi Sword (Nihonto) in Shirasaya with beautiful Itomaki Tachi Koshirae.
 
The Blade
The blade is in excellent polish with the hamon (Clay Tempering)  in ko'choji (clove bud), consistent with the Bizen style, with a great deal of hataraki.  It is of course folded in the traditional style with a very strong and well defined mokume Hada (wood grain structure) visible.  The nakago(Tang) is O'suriage (greatly shortened) and is Mumei, unsigned.  The blade has been attributed to the sword smith Osafune Yoshimitsu, by the NBTHK (Nihon Bujitsu Token Hozon Kiyokai) on the 21st of February, 2020. The NBTHK, the society for the preservation of the Japanese sword has awarded this sword Hozon, meaning worthy of preservation. It is the first of the four levels of honorable distinction awarded to swords by the NBTHK, indicating the sword's artistic and historical value. 
 
Osafune Yoshimitsu was a sword smith known to be making blades in the late Nanbokucho era (1336-1392) during the Muromachi period which stretched from 1336 until 1573. He trained under Osafune Kanemitsu and was the younger brother of Osafune Morimitsu. The Osafune school of sword smithing was well regarded during the period, with the Kanemitsu branch being one of the most prestigious.   
 
The blade is housed in an old Shirasaya (blade protective mountings) and was given a new polish.  The original shirasaya was retained, likely due to its great age, as this blade has been a cherished collectable for quite some time.  The blade also features a quality decorated silver foil habaki.
 
The Koshirae
The koshirae (the furniture) is in the Itomaki Tachi style and appears to be made around the late Edo period (1603-1868). Tachi are often referred to as the Tuxedo of the sword world. They were worn when attending the imperial court, and were most often owned by aristocrats, Daimyo and elite Samurai families.
  
We strongly recommend this sword as Tachi are much rarer than katana, and usually worn by those of high social standing, making them more valuable.  This sword would make a beautiful centre piece of any Nihonto collection.  
 
Blade Length : 64.9cm