ANCIENT C1650-1700’s BLADE**Japanese Hizento Style Forged Uchigatana Single Hand Sword Re-Mounted C1943-1944 For WW2 Service, Scabbard & Expert Assessment. Sn 23689 Sword

ANCIENT C1650-1700’s BLADE**Japanese Hizento Style Forged Uchigatana Single Hand Sword Re-Mounted C1943-1944 For WW2 Service, Scabbard & Expert Assessment. Sn 23689 - 23689

This Uchigatana single hand Japanese sword with ancient blade has been examined by UK Japanese sword expert Bill Tagg and a copy of his assessment notes accompany the sword. In his notes he states “A single hand Japanese sword, an uchigatana, the antique unsigned blade has been shortened down by moving the machi (blade shoulders) down by approx 2 to 2½ inches. It is forged in the hizento style which was made famous by the Tada Yoshi extended family over eight or nine generations, copying earlier work by yamashiro swordsmiths from ancient times, having a hamon (temper line) of nioi crystals with nie deki edge in sugha (straight) pattern, practically straight sides not much fumbari and longer point based on nambokucho period fighting swords. In bright old polish, only one kizu (flaw) which is now under the habaki (cannot be seen) probably why, it was shortened. Has the size & look of late 17th century workmanship circa 1650-1700. For professional opinion & papers needs to go back to Japan. In original old lacquer saya with pocket for kogatana side knife (now missing) the whole thing covered in leather for war service in WW2. Good condition. Tsuba is gunto pattern heavy quality cast brass, with piercing through body, sign of quality, numbered 0813 in Japanese, most gilding faded. Tsuka has suffered heavy war time use, lost its same fish skin and ito binding has been retied (roughly) wood body was wrapped in silk cloth covering mekugi hole & peg, had to be strapped bare to check for signature & help with dating blade. Missing locking catch & stud, but original cord sarute knot loop for tassel going through kabuto gane (top fitting).Nice quality antique blade needs hilt restoring & wrapping properly”. In his illustrations Bill describes the cutting edge as just under 18 ¾”, total length 24 ½”. He also describes and illustrates other blade measurements and characteristics (illustrated in image 2). For information the Japanese army sent people around Japan 1943/44 period buying in wakizashi & katana blades old unsigned for 50 yen a piece in any condition, then refurbished in arsenals, turned into gunto mounts for military use. This is probably one of those. Bill had to take apart the field repaired damaged hilt, to check for signature & put back to same condition as before, as a result, to avoid damage we have not removed the hilt to take images of the blade tang. The price for this ancient piece includes UK delivery. Sn 23689

£895.00