Signed Hizen ju Tadayoshi

Signature: Hizen ju Tadayoshi
Year Made: Shinto
Forging Pattern: Itame
Tempering Pattern: Gonome Suguha
Dimensions:   Nagasa:   20 5/16", Nakago:  5 1/14", Mihaba:  1 3/16", Sakihaba:  27/32", Kasane:  1/4", Sori:  1/2"  
Mountings:  Full Samurai period mountings from late Edo period. 
Overall Condition: The blade has no kizu.  There are some surface abrasions in the middle of the blade where it was used to cut something.  Otherwise the polish is in nice condition.  The tsuba is brass measuring 2 9/16" and is of a carve Shishi.  The saya has lost a lot of the lacquer along the top and bottom and appears to have been glued back together at some point.  The horn koiguchi is split at the top and bottom the, saya is starting to separated again at the koiguchiand the kirikata is missing.  The saya is solid enough to be repaired and used.  The tsuka is split a little at the mune but is still solid as is the Ito.  The menuki are a snail and hawks, fuchi is copper and the kashira is horn.  Two of the seppa are gold foiled but the foil is pealing off.  The habaki is one piece copper and is solid.  Please note that the signature is questionable, this smith's signature was often forged for gift giving due to its meaning; loyalty brings good tidings.   A certified Tadayoshi would cost well over 3 times as much :)  Judge the sword on its own merit without the sig.