PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: This example retains 75% of its brown paint to the simulated binding (Tsuka-ito), with wear to the highlights, all of the golden-yellow paint to the three ornamental (Menuki) cherry blossoms (Sakura) to either side of the hilt and one to either side of the pommel (Kabuto-gane), with the simulated ray skin (Sam`) comprised of the natural aluminum. The hilt is retained by a dome-headed screw. A metal knot loop (Sarute) passes through the pommel. A separate copper ferrule or collar (Fuchi) to the base of the hilt bears three stamped markings. Fixed to top edge of the hilt above the collar is a copper spring clip, which passes through the plain, blackened-iron guard (Tsuba) and locks the sword in the scabbard through a perforation in the scabbard throat fitting (Kuchi-gan`). Blackened washers or packing pieces (Seppa) are above and below the guard. A 1 1/16" deep brass covering is over the ricasso of the blade. The 27 1/2" factory blade, with long fullers, is remarkably clean, with some minor surface spotting to one side of the Kissaki (point). The standard, olive green painted steel scabbard (Saya), with a wood liner, has one suspension mount (Ashi) and a drag (Ishizuke). A dome-headed screw is to one side between the suspension mount and the throat fitting. To the top of the scabbard throat fitting may be seen stamped numbers which match those on the blade and what, barely discernibly, appears to be a repetition of the control stamp. The scabbard paint is mostly worn off do to use. Nice matching serial numbers to both the blade and scabbard.

GRADE ***                             PRICE $895.00