Description
Authentic Nihontō Japanese Sword Katana Attributed to Nagasone Okimasa 長曽祢興正 NBTHK HOZON TŌKEN Certificate
The width difference between the base and tip of the blade is not very pronounced, and the tip is slightly extended. The steel has a ko-itame masame pattern, and the hamon is a subdued suguha with a sunken nioiguchi. The boshi is straight and rounded at the tip.
This sword is one of the pieces from a collection discovered in an old house in 兵庫県 (Hyogo Prefecture). To protect the blades from rusting during the post-war GHQ sword hunt, a varnish-like substance was applied. Although this has caused noticeable stains, the blade can still be appreciated in its current state.
Since the inscription cannot be confirmed as authentic, please consider this as a mumei (unsigned) short sword (or long wakizashi).
The accompanying half-tachi koshirae features many fittings, with kiku flower-themed gold-colored seppa, reflecting the original owner's attachment to the sword. When unsheathed and handled, the sword feels well-balanced with the center of gravity toward the hand, making it easy to use. There is no looseness in the handle, but the handle wrap has loosened slightly over time, which can be remedied by rewrapping in the future.
Given the impressive koshirae, we considered submitting it for a Hozon Koshirae certificate and polishing the blade before selling. However, after a few years in inventory, we decided to offer it as is. Polishing services are available.
*It is puzzling that the koshirae is classified as an uchigatana koshirae in the certificate despite clearly being a half-tachi koshirae.
Bare weight: 604 grams.
Weight with koshirae and without saya: 925 grams.
Nihontō Information
| Name 名称 | 長曽祢興正 - Nagasone Okimasa |
| Blade Length 刀長 | 一尺九寸九分六厘強 / 60.5 cm |
| Sori 反り | 三分七厘弱 / 1.13 cm |
| Blade Width 元幅 | 28.0 mm |
| Blade Thickness 元重 | 6.5 mm |
| Tip Width 先幅 | 物打23.0 mm 横手位置20.5 mm |
| Tip Thickness 先重 | 物打5.3 mm 松葉位置4.9 mm |
| Mekugi-ana 目釘穴 | 2個 |
| Age 時代 | 江戸前期 - The early period of Edo era - 17th century |
| Certificate 鑑定書 | 保存刀装具鑑定書(NBTHK HOZON TOKEN Certificate) |
| Registration 登録 | 平成30年10月18日 兵庫県登録 Registered on October 18, 2018 in Hyogo Prefecture |
| Included 附属 | 素銅はばきPlain Copper Habaki |
| 黒蝋塗鞘半太刀拵Black Lacquered Saya Half-Tachi Koshirae | |













