Measuring 37 inches overall, with a 27 inch blade showing a primarily straight hamon and very active grain fitted into a gold washed copper habaki with carved plant motifs on each side. The round iron tsuba is gold and silver overlay accented and sculpted on each side, with the top showing a scene of flowers around a waterfall, the bottom a scene of a man and a boy traveling through a field of flowers, with engraved text above. The hilt follows a pattern similar to a regulation "civil official" or naval "kyu gunto" sword, with brass furniture and backstrap securing a braided wire wrapped rayskin panel, with the Army-style cherry blossom on the pommel, a blue and brown tasseled cord, and a three line inscription on the backstrap. The saya is nickel plated, with cherry blossom motifs on the throat, and the hangers decorated with the cherry blossom and a mon consisting of eight triangles arranged in a circular pattern. The tang has one mekugi-ana, with a nine-figure signature on the left side. Included with the lot is a cloth sword case with floral motifs. Notes from the consignor attribute the tsuba and blade as being Edo-period work.
The blade is very fine, with minor scuffs and spotting, showing a strong hamon and grain on the bright surfaces and a deep aged patina on the tang. The tsuba shows minor spotting, with a deep brown patina, strong overlay, and good detail in the carving. The hilt shows a mixed patina, with chipping and a small amount of glued repairs around the mekugi. The saya is fine, with some minor wear and frosting of the surface.
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