This katana is signed 越前住 武蔵守藤原兼中 “Echizen-jū - Musashi no Kami Fujiwara Kanenaka ”, indicating it was forged by Kanenaka, a swordsmith active in Echizen Province who held the prestigious honorary title Musashi no Kami. His work typically reflects the quality and form favored by regional samurai and military officers of the time.Based on the style and craftsmanship, the sword likely dates to the late Edo period.
The blade measures 57.7 cm and displays a well-defined gunome hamon with a graceful curvature and the nakago (tang) bears a clear signature and appropriate patina for its age.
The mountings include a finely crafted iron tsuba with an openwork dragon design, and a copper habaki fitted with a gold-plated collar. The set also includes original seppa and mekugi. The sword is housed in a black leather-covered wooden saya, a wartime modification often associated with officer use during World War II.
This piece is a fine example of traditional craftsmanship adapted for modern military use, blending historical significance with aesthetic refinement.