19th, early 20th C 0-Wakizashi or Ko-Katana, spurious signature, date
Spoils of Time
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Showing Online and in The Antique Center at Historic Savage Mill
Based out of Frederick, Maryland
Guest Book
View Seller Profile
Showing Online and in The Antique Center at Historic Savage Mill
Based out of Frederick, Maryland
Guest Book
$975
A Japanese o-wakizashi (longer short sword - a wakizashi technically being less than 24 inches cutting edge but fewer approaching the limit... this one being 22 5/8 inches cutting edge) in relatively clean condition and reasonably good manufacture. Some might refer to a wakizashi of this length as a ko-katana (shorter long sword). Probably dating to after the Meiji restoration judging from the feel of the tang and oxidation thereto. It bears the gimei inscription "Settsu no Ju Yasunaga" and the spurious date Jōkyō San Nen Hachi Gatsu Hi (a lucky day in the eighth month of the third year of Jōkyō era, which puts the wishful date at 1686.) The smith by that name, from that province, around that time would be an 80 point smith but he didn't quite sign like this and Hawley's has his active period at 1661 to 1681 (five years before the date on this blade.) Nonetheless, a clean blade with distinct gunome hamon and old, traditional koshirae is offered for consideration as a beginning study piece or a decorative conversation piece. Overall length fitted and sheathed 36 inches.