Samurai Katana Sword Katsumura Tokukatsu NBTHK Hozon Katana Katsumura_Tokukatsu  (shinshintou_Jousaku ) Mito Jyu Katsumura Tokkatsu This blade was signed by Mito Jyu Tokukatsu (水戸住徳勝)  1860 The end of the Edo period). Mito was located in today’s Ibaraki prefecture. Mito Jyu means he resided in this area when he forged this blade. It was common for many swordsmiths to engrave where they created their works before signing their names. Tokukatsu was born in the 6th year of the Bunka era (1809). That indicates this particular blade was made when he was 39 or 40. His birthname was Hikoroku, and He is also known as Katsumura Tokukatsu. He was initially an apprentice of Sekiuchi Norimune,  his first signature was Tokukazu. After mastering superb craftsmanship from his first master, he became an Okakae Kaji for the Mito domain. Okakae Kaji is a swordsmith who exclusively served a specific clan or domain. Becoming an Okakae Kaji was honorable for many swordsmiths back in the day. Tokukatu was one of the most prominent figures in the Mito domain during the late Edo period. He also forged blades for the head of the Mito domain, Tokugawa Nariaki (徳川斉昭). In the 5th year of the Kaei era (1851), Tokukatsu was ordered by Nariaki to move to Edo city and studied sword forging techniques from Unju Korekazu and Hosokawa Masayoshi, two of the most famous swordsmiths at the end of the Edo period in Edo city (Today’s Tokyo). It is said that the blades made by Tokukatsu were very popular among Samurai who served Mito domain because of their practicality and sharpness. His swords were used by Mito feudal Samurai as a reference during the growing movement for revering the Emperor and expelling the barbarians, and are also famous for the sword used to attack Ii Tairo outside Sakuradamon Gate. He died on February 29, 1872 at the age of 64. This is a true Samurai sword and worn it has the right Spirit and is just stunnig with a great history. Perfect condition wonderful blade with incredible hammon and mounting. Sword is in original condition koshirae is lovely and scabbard has family mon wow. Waiting to be embraced by discerning collectors and enthusiasts. Nagasa     66.8cm Sori          1.0cm Era                         Edo period  year 1848 NBTHK Hozon   Preserved Sword Country                Hitachi