Magnificent Samurai Sword Katana by the Most Renowned 20th Century Swordmaker, First Living National Treasure, Gassan Sadakatsu

Signed “OSAKA RESIDENT GASSAN SADAKATSU CAERFULLY MADE THIS” and Dated “Showa 12 8th Month (1936)”. The wide blade with a 28 and 3/8th inch cutting edge. 1 and 1/4 inches wide at ha-machi. Ko choji midare hamon in excellent nie and nioi. Superb nashiji hada. Mint nakago with unique signature “Osaka resident Gassan Sadakatsu and a most unusual further Sadakatsu inscription “Carefully Made This”.

With splendid characteristic Sadakazu/Sadakatsu gold foil wrapped habaki. Sadakatsu is known for forging fairly narrow, short katana, invariably under 27 inches and often 26 inches for Imperial military koshirae. This katana was made after an as yet unidentified Koto, most likely a Kamakura treasure sword for either a most discerning sword aficionado or as a presentation to a Shinto temple.

The blade is flawless, in a good state of lovely pre-war sashikomi polish with minor micro rust spots on the ha. Sadakatsu is in its orifginal pre-war shira saya and is accompanied by an original Japanese sword license to possess it from 1948.

Truly an opportunity to acquire a unique katana by the acknowledged Picasso of Japanese swordsmiths.