AS21499-Wakizashi: Masashige

Wakizashi in Shirasaya(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)
Signature: Masashige
正重　

(We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo saku, Jyo-jyo saku Jyo saku and regular saku)
This sword belongs to Jyo-jyo Saku ranking.
The blade was polished.
Habaki :silver single habaki.
Blade length:31.6 cm or 12.44inches.
Sori:0.3cm or 0.11inches.
Mekugi:2
Width at the hamachi:2.72cm or 1.07inches.
Kasane:0.59cm or 0.23inches.
The weight of the sword:205grams.
Era:Late Muromachi period
Shape:The blade is slightly broad and the thickness is normal, Mitsumune, and has some Sori.
Jigane:Itame-hada mixed with Mokume-hada to get Hadadachi, Jinie attached and the Shiroke-Utsuri appears.
Hamon:Niedeki, the hamon on the both sides are equal, Sunagashi and Kinsuji work in Hachu, gets Hakigake, and turns back being like flames, ends with big Yakisage.

Special feature: Masashige was a first pupil of Muramasa(famous for bewitched sword) and served to him for a long time and made many ghost-sword making for him. Especially the part like surf fish on stem or the forms of Mitsumune is quite similar to the Muramasa.

From Aoi Art:Many Nihonto lovers admire the swords made by Muramasa, whose swords were extraordinarily sharp to be called as “bewitched”. This work is made by Masashige, who was the first pupil of Muramasa. Mitsumune and the surf fish shape on the stem are quite similar to the ones of Muramasa, and the kanji “Masa(正)” of Masashige is very similar to the one of Muramasa. Hamon is the same at two sides, and has great appearance with Mitsumune, looks just like Muramasa. It is NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token, we assure you that the work worth it.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
Aoi Art estimation paper:whole Oshigata.