AS24858 Katana: Gassan Sadakatsu(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Katana in Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature:
Teishitsu Gigeiin Gassan Sadakazu 82 Sai Kinsaku(written seal mark)
帝室技藝員月山貞一八十二歳謹作(花押)
Taisho 6 Nen 7 Gatsu Kichijitsu(1917)
大正六年七月吉日
Kitashirakawa-miya Denka Ontachi Motte Yotetsu
[using leftover steel used in making a tachi for Prince Kitahirakawa ] 北白川殿下以餘鐡

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Saijyo Saku (highest rank) among works by Gassan Sadakazu.

Habaki: Double-layered, gold-covered
Blade Length: 71.4 cm (28.11 in)
Curvature: 2.4 cm (0.94 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 3.00 cm (1.18 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 1.87 cm (0.74 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.61 cm (0.24 in)
Sword Weight: 655 grams
Era: Taisho 6 (1917)

Shape: long katana with normal width, big curveture and small Kissaki. There is Ububa.
Jigane: fine Ko-itame hada
Hamon:Ko-nie base Aoe-like Choji midare with Ashi,Yo and long Kinsuji.

Features:　
Gassan Sadakazu was a prominent swordsmith who represented the Meiji and Taishō eras, and is also known as the father of Sadakatsu. He began his career in the late Edo period and continued forging swords with remarkable skill even after the Haitōrei (Sword Abolishment Edict), at a time when many swordsmiths were forced to quit sword-making.
In 1906 (Meiji 39), he was appointed Teishitsu Gigei-in (Imperial Household Artist), the highest honor for swordsmiths at the time. He made swords for Emperor Meiji, members of the Imperial family, and prominent military figures.
He is especially renowned for reproducing the Ayasugi-hada(grain pattern), but he also forged swords in the Bizen-den and Sōshū-den style at a high level and was highly skilled in carving as well.

From Aoi-Art: Among the works of Gassan Sadakazu, I believe this piece is particularly sound and excellently made. I recommend that it be carefully preserved, with oil also applied to the Nakago.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token Certificate
Aoi Art Estimation Paper: Whole Oshigata