SOLD - Shortened Handmade Katana

Description

10/27/22 - This is an original 1700s-1800s estimated production hand-made katana that was later shortened / altered and fitted with mis-matched tsuba and handle for resale to the GIs during the Vietnam war. That's our best assumption as this practice was common during the Vietnam conflict, and this item was brought to us by a Vietnam veteran. Originally a family sword, the hand-made blade is very clean with a simple tempered edge that measures approximately 22.5 inches. The edge has no chips or flaws, and the sides of the blade show obvious graining only present on handmade blades. The tang is aged with proper patina for the 1700-1800s and has been cut down, cutting off some of the original signature as shown in photos. The fittings are old but very likely put-together which was typical for Vietnamese altered swords. The scabbard is wood and likely made in the 1950s.