Masatoshi Katana in Shirasya Nihonto Sword from Kanei Era

Description

This is an antique katana signed Noshu ju Masatoshi saku
Mei: Noshu ju Masatoshi saku
Nagasa: 74.6rin (29.3 inch)
Sori: 1 rin
Structure: Sinogi zukuri, ori mune
Jihada: Itame
Hamon: Ko-gunome, mixed with togari-ha
Nakago: UBU, one mekugi ana
Period: Kan`ei Era
Lineage: Itakura Seki
Date: Masatoshi 1628 (estimate)
Commets: Several generations of Minoo swordsmiths known as Itakura Seki were active from around Eisho Era though Kan`ei Era.  This particular swordsmith is the last of the Itakura Seki.  This blade exhibits fine jitetsu with itame, and finished with well with ko-gunome hamon mixed with togari-ba.  A valuable piece with signed ubu nakago.
(evaluated by kobayashi yukinobu)
The sword is in decent shape overall as shown in the photos.  It is an interesting piece and personally I find the shape and length very desirable.   The shirasaya has some pings and dings and is also cracked at near where the kojiri would be.  It still does the job.    The mekugi from the original was damaged and I made a replacement. More photos are available on request.