In overall good condition, a 17C (Edo Era) Bizen Unsigned Japanese Kodachi Short Sword
Sorry, this item has been sold (NB: we do not divulge sold prices). However, we have a search facility to help you find more similar items. Plus a feature that allows you to enter your email and keywords (for what you are looking for) to be notified by email when anything comes in. Or you can simply browse the various categories. See the left hand navigation column.
With balancing fuller / groove often reserved for quality blades, this is a kodachi courtesy of its blade curvature. It has several forging flaws but is still a quality blade in its original polish with a clear straight hamon. The furniture / fittings are especially nice and worth a reasonable amount on their own.
The 23 1/2 inch nagasa (cutting edge section) blade is in good condition but with said flaws and some scratches. Overall everything is pretty tight, just a slight movement of the tsuka (hilt) on the blade, but slight enough. The blade’s nakago / tang has three peg holes / Mekugi-Ana attesting to its age (that it has had several fittings / furniture “refits”). The present furniture / fittings are very good condition; the grip Same (rayskin) has an age / dryness split one side. The middle fitting of the saya / scabbard is loose (can be glued) but the saya is good overall. The sword sheathes and draws well.
Very nice example as a very reasonable price; was £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference AG45. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box 1435-104x17x17 (2.149).