Description:

HARIMA-MADE JAPANESE KATANA
Finely-forged Japanese katana blade, measuring 25 3/4" from "kissaki"(tip) to the habaki stop, and 33 3/4" long overall. The tang is inscribed with a "mei" of seven vertically-placed kanji, of which the first two indicate that the blade was forged in Harima province, otherwise untranslated. The tang further shows a fine layer of brown oxidation, with horizontal file marks visible along the entire length. The blade shows fine grain under magnification, with a fine wavy "hamon" delineating the cutting edge. The sword is mounted with a wood grip covered with black fish skin, wrapped with black lacquered fabric laces and with two "zig zag"-shaped "menuki" inserted beneath the wrappings. The "tsuba" (guard) is of iron or steel and shows a perforated scroll design, with a kanji inscription, untranlated, around the opening for the blade on one side. Two copper spacers are placed in either side of the "tsuba", and a copper "habaki" (collar) is fitted. The blade is housed in a lacquered wood scabbard. The blade shows black speckled oxidation overall, with some attendant pitting, and with one or two minute chips to the cutting edge. The lacing of the grip is partially unwound with the laces broken, the "tsuba" is somewhat loose when mounted, and the "habaki" shows some splitting. The scabbard shows some chips and is repaired with masking tape at the throat. Still a fine example.

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December 19, 2017 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000