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Antique Japanese Wakizashi in Shirasaya, with Paper

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:400.00 USD
Antique Japanese Wakizashi in Shirasaya, with Paper
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Antique Japanese Wakizashi in Shirasaya, with Paper. Nice stout shinogi-zukuri-shaped wakizashi from the late Koto period, Itame hada grain, nioi-deki gunome midare hamon with ko-nie and sunagashi, chu-kissaki with kaen and o-maru boshi (different on both sides) with short turn back. O-suriage, mumei nakago with two mekugi-anas. The blade length is 40.6cm or just under 16" long. Top quality two-piece gold foil over copper habaki, with vertical and horizontal decorative file marks. Mounted in a wooden shirasaya resting scabbard. Includes an NBTHK paper dated Heisei 27 (2015) that attributes the blade to "Uda Hirakuni". There were three generations of Etchu smiths that signed this way, working in the late Koto period around 1501 to 1573. Condition is very good to excellent, the blade in a nice state of polish, showing a clear hada and well-defined hamon and boshi. There are numerous small spots and stains from old dried oil that with proper care and cleaning could be minimized. The nakago shows a dark brown patina with light rust on the surface and some old pitting. The habaki is very nice, with a couple of tiny light scratches from use. The shirasaya is older, showing a filled and re-drilled hole in the handle, with stains from having a paper taped around it. In thin purple shirasaya cloth bag. Est.: $800-$1,200.