Lot 31A: 備前 長船 祐宗 Bizen Osafune Sukemune, Orikaeshi mei wakizashi (previously katana),

備前 長船 祐宗 Bizen Osafune Sukemune, Orikaeshi mei wakizashi (previously katana), A rare Orikaeshi-Mei Wakizashi, signed 備前 長船 祐宗. As you can see, Tang's signature is wrapped. This sword originally had a fairly long blade (katana or tachi), but was modified to be shorter. Originally, Tang's signature should have been cut off when shortening, but this blade retains it by folding it back. A good swordsmith's work was left with his signature in this way. It is believed to be from the Muromachi period (1336-1574). The signature is Bizen Osafune Sukemune. Scabbard is easy to come off, Habaki is hard to remove. Signature: Bizen Osafune Sukemune Blade length : 501 mm (19.72 in.) Curvature: 11 mm (0.43 in.) Total length: 725 mm (28.54 in.) Motohaba: 27.2 mm (1.07 in.) Sakihaba: 17.8 mm (0.70 in.) Motokasane: 5.8 mm (0.23 in.) Sakikasane: 4 mm (0.16 in.) Blade Weight: 413 g; Total Weight: 655 g; Provenance: private collection in Japan; SUK 746 Province: Bizen; Start era: Eishō (1504-1521); End era: Eiroku (1558-1570); Active period: 1504-1567; Hawley: 15; Toko Taikan: ¥3M = $21,580 USD; Reserve price from Consignor: $3400 USD