Description:

KOTO-ERA "O-SURIAGE" KATANA BLADE
Finely-forged, massive katana blade, measuring 27" from "kissaki"(tip) to the habaki stop, and 36 1/4" overall, with a blade width of 1" at the kissaki and 1 1/4" at the habaki, with a weight of more than two pounds. The blade dates from the Koto period, prior to 1596. The sword is "mumei", meaning that the tang bears no signature or other identifying inscriptions, and the blade is "o-suriage", meaning that it was cut down at the tang to reduce the overall length. The tang shows a finely-oxidized, dark patina, with files marks evident on both sides, and two holes for "mekugi", or securing pins. Strong ridges appear on each side of the blade, with a third along the spine. The forging process has resulted in a great deal of "hataraki" or activity visible in the grain. The blade edge shows a wavy and distinct "hamon", or temper pattern, along the entire length. The surface of the steel shows some minor, isolated oxidation and scratches, expected given the age. The habaki is of mottled silver-plated copper. The blade is housed in a "shirasaya", a plain wooden scabbard and grip lacking a "tsuba" (hand guard) and any decoration. These mountings are used when a blade is to be stored for a long period of time, as the typical lacquered wood mountings retain moisture and encourage corrosion. The shirasaya scabbard bears the ink inscription: "From the collection of Utsunomiya Hiroshi", while the grip is similarly inscribed: "Suginami Ward, Koenji 4-537". The blade is secured within the shirasaya grip by a single mekugi. An extremely well-forged, antique example.

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Shipping

Shipments are sent via USPS Priority, USPS International Priority, DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 14 - 21 days for shipments to arrive after receipt of payment due to the high volume of package being shipped.

February 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