Included with this sword is a certificate from the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords, dated September 16, 1979. According to the included translation, the certificate acknowledges this to be a "valuable sword" and identifies the signature as "Sukemitsu Jidai Muromachi" indicating production circa 1394-1570 AD. The Muromachi era saw the resumption of trade with China, a rise in contact with Europe, and the introduction of Christianity, and included the outbreak of the Onin War and the inception of the Sengoku Period, a long running internal power struggle that culminated in the unification of Japan. Overall assembled length is 37 inches, with a 26 1/2 inch blade showing a well defined and very straight hamon, and set into a silver finished habaki with light engraved accents. The four lobed iron tsuba is decorated with raised patterns, with a design of water plants on top, blue finish and a pair of copper seppa. The fuchi and kashira are both gold accented with raised plant designs, with a dark green wrap and animal themed, gold accented brass menuki. The 2-symbol signature is present on the left side of the nakago. With a black lacquer finished saya and with blue cord sageo.

Very good overall. The blade shows fine color and grain with a few fukuri-style blisters. There are a few ware-type creases in the steel and a small amount of spotting. A deeply aged antique brown is properly displayed on the nakago. A small amount of play is present in the tsuba and seppa. The saya components are beginning to separate and are showing a number of dings and scuffs. An attractive Japanese sword with provenance from one of the top organizations in the field.