D-173 Japanese Katana attributed to the Tokugawa family. WWII military brown cord wrapped white sharkskin grip. Typical gilt floral menuki, ferrule and pommel cap. Floral decorated gilt brass tsuba. 27" clean blade with a straight temperline. Gilt copper habaki shows some wear. Tang shows two holes. Marked with the "TOKUGAWA MON". This family crest was awarded by the Shogun Tokugawa to his personal swordsmith YASUTSUGU, who was active in 1596. There were twelve generations working up to 1864 and they all used this mon. All of them were noted for using nambantetsu (Portuguese steel). There is no signature on the tang, but it is possible that it was removed when the sword was shortened. OD military scabbard with a floral decorated throat, open band ring holder and typical military tip. II+

See description for I-III scale (I=mint, III=poor)