Bought May-24-02 

Japanese Sword - Koto Tachi - Beautiful - Papered Last of the ancient Koto Bizen. This sword is signed and dated, one month or so before Bizen was virtually finished as the 500 year center of swordmaking by storm floods. The hamon is captivating, like fire dancing along the edge.

The sugata is simply wonderful, I will tell you that I have never held a sword that felt this perfect in ones hands, it is truly art for action. Whether you are a serious collector, novice, or looking for an ancient blade to practice iai or compete, you will be satisfied. Bid with confidence folks, I have set the reserve at less than half of what I paid for this fine piece, you are getting a good deal and if it doesn't go it won't break my heart! It comes in shirasaya, full polish, and with a WWII Koshirae on the side complete. Here is the original write up from when I purchased the sword 2 years ago: Nagasa: 66cm Nakago: 18cm Ubu Nakago, one Mekugi-ana Deeply curved with Chu-Kissaki. Koshi-Hi on both sides brings strength to the upper - the perfect Sugata for field battle from a horse. Itame Hada stands strongly through the Ji, while Masa runs in the Shinogi-Ji. Excellent Gunome Kani-no-Tsume "Crab-claw" Choji, Togari mix with Tobi-yaki near the Habaki-moto. Sunagashi swims and Kinsuji arcs. Hakikake sweeps the Kissaki. Shira-saya with Tsuno Horn-Mekugi and Ana, and good s olid-silver Habaki. Nihon Bijutsu-Kan appraisal papers. This is a very good Ubu Koto. Long signature. Omote: Bizen-no-Kuni Ju Osafune Sukesada Ura: Ten-sho San-nen Hachi Gatsu-hi 1575, 8th Mont.