Sharing my Japanese katana. The mei/papers read:
越後國府内住兼明作
Echigo no Kuni Fuchūnai-jū Kaneaki saku
“Made by Kaneaki, resident of Fuchū in Echigo Province.”
Echigo Province corresponds to modern Niigata Prefecture. From the paperwork and previous information I’ve received, this appears to be an early Edo-period blade, possibly Kan’ei-era, so roughly 1600s.
The blade has NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon papers dated February 2, 2017, and the registration is from Niigata, dated October 22, 1965. Blade length is just under 67.9 cm, putting it in katana range.
The koshirae/mounts are not original to the blade. I had the tsuka/handle lengthened about two years ago and had it rewrapped with the green ito. So the handle and wrap are modern work, but the blade itself is the historical part.
Happy to hear any thoughts from people who know more about the smith, school, workmanship, or period.