H378.  From the Holbrook collection; Skip’s tag reads, “Akasaka IV, Hachiman & Ken”.  7.2 x 7.5 x .85 cm.  The nakago hitsu-ana is 1.3 x 3 cm.  A very thick tsuba once mounted to a very thick blade: love to have seen that one.  The 4 birds are the messengers of Hachiman, the God of War, and the ken is the ritual dagger seen at the top and bottom of the seppa-dai.  This is a most impressive piece: great work of the Akasaka School.  Condition is excellent.  $645.