AS24461 Wakizashi:Kii no Kuni ju Takai Minamoto Masahide(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Wakizashi in Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Kii no Kuni ju Takai Minamoto Masahide
Ansei 3 Nen 2 Gatsu Hi (Feb 1856)
紀伊國住高井源正秀
安政三年二月日

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Jyojyo Saku among the works by Takai Minamoto Masahide.
Habaki: Single-layered gold foil
Blade Length: 43.8 cm (17.24 in)
Curvature: 1.5 cm (0.59 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.51 cm (0.99 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 1.69 cm (0.67 in)
Thickness of Rim (Kasane): 0.56 cm (0.22 in)
Sword Weight: g
Era: Edo period, Ansei 3rd year (1856)
Shape: Starts with a straight Hamon from the Hamachi, transitioning into irregular Gunome and Choji Midare. The Boshi shows Midarekomi.
Jigane: Tight ko-itame hada, close to mujihada.
Hamon: The jigane is well-forged with tight ko-itame hada.

Features: Although we could not find other examples of the signature “Kii no Kuni ju Takai Minamoto Masahide” in reference books, this sword has passed the Tokubetsu Hozon Token certification.
It is well-made and highly recommended.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Octagonal tsuba with openwork patterns.
Fuchikashira: Made of shakudo with colored designs of swallows, plants, and a water bucket using suaka (copper) and gold.
Saya (Scabbard): Bright gray with horizontal wrapping.
Menuki: High-relief carving of horse and monkey, accented with gold.
Kozuka: Shakudo base with carving of a shrimp in high relief.
Kogatana: ??? (金華山 unclear, left untranslated)

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token Certificate(*the paper will be issued later)
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata