Q680. Tachi signed Chikuzen Ju Yasumune Saku. Showa Go Ju San Nen San Gatsu Hi (a day in March of 1978). There is a soemei that translates as, Owned by Masuiyama Daishiro. He was a sumo wrestler born in 1948, who achieved the 2nd highest rank of Ouzeki. It is a tradition in sume to give fine swords to the stars of the sport.

Nagasa: 31 5/16″ 79.5 cm.

Sori: 2.8 cm.

Moto haba: 3.4 cm.

Moto kasane: .8 cm.

Saki haba: 2.1 cm.

Saki kasane: .55 cm.

Nakago nagasa: 8 1/8″ 20.6 cm.

Overall in shirasaya: 43 1/2″ 110.5 cm

Shinogi zukuri, strong koshi zori, iore mune, chu kissaki. There is a bo hi carved on each side of the blade. Tight ko itame hada that is perfectly flawless. The hamon is suguba made of small choji gunome, nioi guchi with fine nie, subtle hataraki throughout. The boshi is a slightly swept o maru with a short kaeri. This is mounted with a gold foil habaki and in well made shirasatya.

I was unable with a search in English (romaji) to learn anything about Yasumune; If I was capable of a Japanese search and could read the results I’m sure I’d know more. I can tell you this is a most impressive sword: flawless and in a quality Japanese polish, and commanding with its length and weight. Gendai collectors should be all over this one. 3 pounds, 4 ounces. $3.750.