The blade by Akikane, Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th/early 20th centuryThe blade of hira-zukuri form with koshi-hi to either side, gunome-ha of nioi and nie, indistinct masame hada, the nakago with signed sujikai yasurime and one mekugi-ana, signed Akikane; the saya (scabbard) and tsuka (hilt) of silver, with flying birds and cherry blossom in relief, details in gilt metal, with bands of shakudo ishime inlaid with silver formal chrysanthemums. The blade: 20.4cm (8in) long, total length: 36cm (14?in).