Measuring 41 inches overall with a 29 3/4 blade, showing a strong, straight hamon and a copper habaki. While not perfectly straight, the blade shows a much lower amount of curvature than a typical Japanese sword, inviting comparison to the semi-mythical "ninjato" sword pattern. The iron tsuba has a square profile, rounded corners, and a faint woodland engraving pattern, a raised sword design is present on the fuchi, the kashira has a gold accented dragon engraving, a brass cord swivel with a WWII-style orange and brown cord has been added, and a pair of spear or oar themed menuki are present under the blue/green wrap. The saya is finished in black enamel, with a leather exterior wrap. The tang is unsigned, with a single mekugi-ana. Per the included documents from the NTHK (original certificate with envelope and an undated copy of the inspection worksheet), this sword was rated at a score of 70 points (kantei level), with the work dated to the Bakumatsu period and attributed to the smith "Yoshisada Chikanori". The Bakumatsu period was the tail end of Edo and a time of massive change and chaos, culminating in the Boshin War and the re-assertion of Imperial power.

Fine. The very fine blade shows some light spotting and handling marks, with an overall bright appearance and attractive grain. The iron fittings show a mixed brown patina with lighter rust, the wrap has some minor stains, and the saya and its leather wrap show significant wear and tear. The tang has turned a dark brown antique patina.