K57. Wakizashi signed Fujiwara Noriyuki and papered by the NBTHK (Hozon 2016, attesting to the signature and adding Takada).

Nagasa: 20 3/8″ 51.8 cm.

Sori: 1.4 cm.

Moto haba: 3.1 cm.

Moto kasane: .6 cm.

Saki haba: 2 cm.

Saki kasane: .45 cm.

Nakago nagasa: 5 1/16″ 12.7 cm.

Overall in shira-saya: 29 1/8″ 74.5 cm.

Overall koshirae: 29 1/2″ 75 cm.

Ko-itame hada with fine ji-nie and flawless. There is a diverse hamon: gumone midare, areas of suguba separated by peaked elements, sunagashi, hotsure, and even one instance of koi guchi gaiba, all of which is covered in very bright ko-nie. The boshi is niju on the omote, both sides ending in a swept ko maru and a short kaeri. Mounted with a double gold & silver foil habaki and a well made shira-saya.

This blade is accompianied with koshirae. The saya is black lacquer with horn koi guchi, kurikata, and kojiri, all in excellent condition. The tsuba is iron sukashi (birds I believe) with a disappointing patina. The fuchi kashira are much better: shibuichi with shakudo birds and gold rain and net. The menuki appear to be turnips of patinated copper. The tsuka-ito is in great condition.

All in all a nice set. 2 pounds, 7 ounces. $1,850.