This katana is signed Kunitsugu (国次) and is attributed to Sudo Kunitsugu (簀戸国次), one of the most highly regarded swordsmiths of Kii Province during the late Koto period. His signature is immediately recognizable by the distinctive way the inner portion of the character "Kuni" (国) is carved, a feature long noted in Japanese sword references.
Sudo Kunitsugu is believed to have worked in Kokawa, Kii Province, and is traditionally associated with the Yamato Tegai tradition through the temple smiths of Kokawadera. Surviving works are exceptionally scarce today, and authentic examples are seldom encountered, earning him a reputation among collectors as one of the elusive smiths of Kii.
This blade measures 64.1 cm with a graceful curvature of 1.6 cm. It displays a well-forged masame-hada together with a refined suguha hamon featuring a bright and clearly defined nioi-guchi, characteristics that closely reflect the disciplined workmanship associated with the Kii tradition. Of particular historical interest is a pronounced battle nick approximately 18 cm below the kissaki, preserving tangible evidence of the sword's active service.
The sword is mounted in an Imperial Japanese Navy officer Kaigunto mounts.