Object: Unusual Japanese wakizashi / katakiriha-form blade mounted in Japanese police-style fittings.

Signature: The earlier Yamazakura catalogue records the blade as signed Ashū Kaifu-jū Ujiyoshi, associated with the Kaifu group. This attribution is retained as catalogue information pending specialist verification of the inscription.

The blade is notable for the characteristic placement of the signature on the blade rather than conventionally on the tang, as recorded in the previous catalogue entry. The mounts include petal-form details identified there as police insignia.

The earlier catalogue described the mounts as Meiji period and senior police officer quality. These points should be regarded as prior catalogue attribution rather than independently authenticated dating or rank provenance.

Condition: The blade would benefit from specialist assessment before any polishing is considered. Please study all photographs carefully; they form an integral part of the description.

Please contact Yamazakura regarding appropriate insured shipping.