Signed Edo Katana (FSS-976)

This is an Edo-period katana signed Izumi no Kami Kanesada. While the signature cannot currently be authenticated, the blade itself shows fine workmanship consistent with the Mino tradition.

The sword has a 26-7/8 inch cutting edge with a gentle curvature and healthy, well-balanced shape. The hada is an attractive itame–mokume mix, and the hamon is a well-controlled suguha, ending in a maru-boshi. The blade remains in good polish and displays fine activity throughout.

It is mounted in WWII military mounts, which are well preserved and complement the sword nicely.

If the signature is confirmed as authentic, this sword would represent the work of a respected smith within the Kanesada lineage, making it considerably more valuable and desirable to collectors. However, even if the signature is determined to be false after a full polish, it can be removed and the sword can still be submitted for kanteisho papers as an unsigned (mumei) Edo-period blade. In that case, it would still hold significant historical and monetary value as a genuine, well-forged antique worthy of preservation.