Signature: Kaga Ju KiyoMitsuComment:  Kaga swords are known for their sharpness and favored by samurai for their no-nonsense practicality.  This one is mounted in quiet good quality practical original mounts.
Year Made:  1600s
Forging Pattern:  Ko Itame
Tempering Pattern:  Suguha
Dimensions:   Nagasa:   27 3/4", Nakago:  7 1/4", Mihaba:  1 7/32", Sakihaba:  13/16", Kasane:  9/32", Sori:  9/16"  
Mountings:  Edo period samurai koshirae. 
Overall Condition:  At some point someone has sandpapered, no grinding, this blade in an attempt to "clean" it so it is hard to examine.  The blade has old rust but there doesn't appear to be any pitting.  There are two forging openings and about an 1/8" of the tip is broken off.  A good polisher can probably correct these problems.  There is a nice, wide suguha hamon and it will be attractive once the blade is polished.  The tsuka is strong and the ito is in good condition except over one of the menuke but this is a nice Edo pinch wrap.  The menuki are shakudo bats and the fuchikashira are iron.  The tsuba is also nice, heavy iron with gold and shakudo inlay.  The habaki is in very good condition and can be used.   The saya has a minor crack about 4" long running from the koiguchi on the ha side.  This is repairable.  There are other dents and missing lacquer, the worst being about 2 1/2" long.  Also reparable.  The kirikata and the kogiri are missing.