EARLY SAMURAI SWORD, KATANA, TACHI - SHINTO? - KOTO? - SIGNED - NICE MOUNTS

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EARLY SAMURAI SWORD, KATANA, TACHI - SHINTO? - KOTO? - SIGNED - NICE MOUNTS:
$2850.00

Up for sale is this early Japanese Samurai katana or tachi sword approximately circa 1600 or older. It has been shortened at the tang, the current cutting edge measuring 25-1/4\". There are 3 holes in the tang with a 2 character signature at the very end. The blade is razor sharp with no active rust, bends, nicks or edge cracks. The temper line is wavy and irregular and appears to run the entire length of the edge. The polish I would rate as fair only. This blade is bright but most of the surface exhibits very light speckling. I do not know what the cause of this is but makes it somewhat difficult to discern the tempering and the graining in certain areas. Perhaps there was light surface rust at one time and someone decided that naval jelly or some other chemical would be the best method of removal? I have not seen this effect on a blade before. There is no evidence of surface abrasion such as sanding, grinding, buffing, etc.. There are some areas of loose forging. There is one flaw underneath the habaki and is seen in a photo. The 9-1/4\" handle is wrapped in ray skin, 100 % present, and bound in black cord, also 100% present and tight. The menuki depict samurai and are of good quality. The fuchi/kashira depict people and are also of good quality. The tsuba is iron depicting cherry blossoms highlighted in gold and is signed. The habaki is gold washed shakudo. The spacers are covered in gold foil. All fittings are an excellent fit to the blade. The saya is black lacquered wood. The lacquer is approximately 80% intact. It is lifting and cracking on the inner seam. All in all, a pretty decent sword with potential.
Will ship to U.S. addresses only. Will ship via USPS Priority Mail. PayPal only accepted. Please ask all questions prior to offerding/buying. Can supply additional photos on request. Buyer has a 5 day inspection / return period if item does not match description or photos. Returns are accepted under these conditions with full money back less return postage. Item must be safely returned and unaltered. Thank you.