Tachibana Sadanobu (ACTIVE 1661-1673) A Hojoji katana Edo period (1615-1868), circa 1670 Sugata (configuration): honzukuri, iorimune, chu-gissaki, toriizori Kitae (forging pattern): itama hada mixed with mokume hada in jinie Hamon (tempering pattern): notare based in nie Boshi (tip): hakikake Nakago (tang): ubu with one hole, katte sagari file marks, signed Hojoji Tachibana Sadanobu saku kore Habaki (collar): one-piece, silver-foil Nagasa (length from tip to beginning of tang): 27in (68.5cm) Motohaba (width at start of tempered edge): 1 1/4in (3.1cm) Sakihaba (width before tip): 3/4in (1.9cm) In a shirasaya (wood storage scabbard) with an inscription and attribution written by Sato Kanzan, dated 1974 With Tokubetsu Hozon Token (Sword Especially Worthy of Preservation) certificate no. 1000670 issued by the Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai (Society for the Preservation of the Japanese Art Sword), dated January 29, 2013