This katana belongs to the Shin-shinto phase of the late Edo period and carries a signed and dated tang. The blade runs 26.875 inches (68.3 cm) and is kept in a shira saya storage mount. The nakago is ubu, pierced by a single mekugi-ana, and the inscription names Kanefusa (Fujiwara) Katsuyuki of Seki as the maker, working at Edo. The reverse side dates the work to a day in the eighth month of Ansei 3, which corresponds to August 1856. The supplier lists the sword as used.

In profile the blade is shinogi-zukuri with moderate curvature and a long kissaki. The hamon is a notare-gunome midare with plenty of activity, and the present polish shows it with good contrast between the hardened edge and the body of the steel. The tang wears a deep Edo-period patina while its file marks and chisel-cut characters remain sharp. For a Texas collector of Japanese swords this is a named and dated smith's work to study in hand rather than an anonymous blade.

Key features

• Blade length 26.875 inches (68.3 cm)
• Ubu tang with one mekugi-ana, signed and dated
• Dated Ansei 3, eighth month (August 1856)
• Shinogi-zukuri shape, notare-gunome midare hamon
• Stored in shira saya, used condition

A sword is not a firearm, so this katana ships directly to your door in Texas with no dealer transfer.