SC0158
The sword is a koto katana, likely from the mid to late 1300s, with original and rare Shikomizue mounts.
The sword and the fittings are in Excellent condition. The sword is healthy with a straighter curvature that tapers to a ko-kissaki. The blade has a length of 27 inches (69cm). The hada is a well-grained itame mixed with some straight masame hada. The hamon is a narrow and tight hoso suguha with some nie activities. The hamon is present the length of the blade ending in a ko-maru boshi. The tang is mumei, or unsigned. Based on the shape, tapering, and ko-kissaki, the blade is likely chu koto, ca. 1300s. The blade looks like the work of the Naminohira school from Satsuma province.
Shikomizue mountings became increasingly popular from 1876 onwards once the Meiji government issued the Hatorei edict prohibiting the wearing of swords in public.
These mountings allowed the sword to be used as a walking stick so former samurai could continue to carry their method of self-defense
The last photo shows the sword after restoration.
Price : NOT FOR SALE