Bidspirit auction | Katana, signed by Echizen, 越前,

Katana, signed by Echizen, 越前, antique Japanese Samurai sword 90 cm, Showa period 1312-1317 - Katana, signed by Echizen, 越前, antique Japanese Samurai sword 90 cm, Showa period 1312-1317; Signature is written on nakago (tang) in 2 characters: Echizen, 越前. Unfortunately, the nakago was cut later, in order to make the sword shorter. Province: Sanuki; Era: Showa (1312-1317 AD); Hawley rating: 30 = ¥5.0M = $37,000. Antique original tsuba, signed in 6 characters: Masatsugu 正次. There was one Masatsugu 正次 swordsmith, who was active in the same period (Kagen Era: 1303-1306) with Hawley rating - 80. Full length of the sword: 90 cm; Blade length: 65.3 cm; Sori (curvature): 10 mm; Length of wooden scabbard, covered with leather: 71.6 cm; Full length in scabbard: 94.5 cm; Weight (sword+ Habaki) – 859 g; Weight of the scabbard: - 282 g; Original double silver habaki with perfect fit to the daito (blade). Tsuka (handle) is covered with original ray skin. Provenance: private collection in Missoula, Montana, USA. Condition: The rust is minimal. I would say there is basically no rust, except of microscopic black dots. It is known that black rust is stable, versus red unstable rust. Also, there are several scratches, which I believe are the signs of the fighting. What strikes me - is a perfect fittings of all parts, which means that all parts are original. The signature is also genuine, although the sword was cut later. In conclusion: it is very precious antique sword.