NTHK Papered Edo Ishido MitsuHira Katana

Signature:  Mumei, Attributed to Dewa no Kami Minamoto Mitsuhira.  Tsuba signed and papered to Shoami Oshu Nanbu Tsuba.
Forging Pattern:  Mokume with O-hada and masame
Tempering Pattern: Choji with Utsuri
Dimensions:  Blade Length:  27.3 inchesNakago: 8.1 inches 6.5 mm thick 30 mm wide
Mountings:  Ribbed red lacquer saya with restored leather wrapped handle with period iron fittings and papered tsuba.  Solid silver habaki.
Overall Condition:  Excellent.  In fresh polish. This is an exceptional katana from one of the most sought after schools of the Shinto Period.  The Edo Ishido school was founded by Korekazu and Mitsuhira was one of its most imminent smiths.  This is a Jo-saku rated smith that have numerous Juyo papered swords.  This is a classic example of this smith's work in Ichimonji style with an excellent choji hamon and utsuri.  His swords are rated Ryo-Wazamono for very good cutting ability.