A large katana signed Higo Dontanuki Enju Morihiro (Hawley 306b) c. 1844, 27 15/16" nagasa, suguha hamon in average polish. Dragon menuki.

From a US war verteran's estate and as found. Had medical tape around the saya and still has some residue that can be removed. Saya separation along seam. No fuchi or tsuba (but there doesn't seem to much room for one) as shown. Overall a nice blade.

signature

blade hamon

hilt

signature detail...the tang was also wrapped in medical tape to tighten the fit when the peg was lost and some white residue can be seen in this image

Great find.

The sword is a shinshinto no doubt, but the tang appears somewhat crusty, like it might of been in a fire? Otherwise I find it very interesting. Max

A NICE FIND. WHEN THE VETS TAKE THE SWORDS APART LOOKING FOR THE HIDDEN JEWELS, THEY ALWAYS LOOSE PARTS OR BREAK SOMETHING. NICE BLADE THAT DESERVES RESTORATION.

It's for sale, right?

I think the crustiness is from the medical tape that was wrapped around the tang for probably the better part of the last 60 years.

I think you're right Bob, it should be restored.

When I got it, I removed the medical tape from the tang and saya and found the signature but have not touched it otherwise. I managed to clean off a lot of the tape residue from the lacquer but didn't get too agressive figuring the next guy would have a better idea of what solvent or other method to use to clean it up, then make some rice glue to reseal the halves that are now partially separated.

Yes, I'll probably part with it Walter.