This is an original late Koto early Shinto period circa 1500-1600 Japanese “Samurai” Wakizashi (short sword) signed Kunimitsu. This was found to be authentic and correct and offered by Bonhams & Butterfield in a 2004 auction where it was listed in lot 4052 with a value of $4,000-$6,000. The blade exhibits classic very high quality Japanese Damascus like construction in a Wakizashi or short sword pattern with Shinogi Zukuri design with a toriizori curve to the blade. The tang features a swordsmith inscription signature reading Kunimitsu with the blade crafted in the late Koto period (pre-1596) to early Shinto period (1597-1780) circa 1500-1600. The blade displays Damascus construction with a New Japanese polish done in 1981 by Mr. Yamishita. The blade is set in a Shirasaya, a traditional way of storing, transporting, or displaying blades. The all wood construction and seamless design is commonly used to display blades, with the Shirasaya lacking the tsuba for protection or any of the other traditional sword funishings. This blade was featured and sold by Bonhams & Butterfields fine art Auctioneers in 2004 under the lot 4052. The blade comes with copies of the Bonhams & Butterfields catalog along with copies of its original paperwork. The blade also comes with a set of photos from their acquisition in 1980 along with a slip of paper showing the blades details. The wakizashi comes with a proper sword sleeve and shows wonderful condition overall. The blade measures 22" long overall including the tang with the edge measuring 17 3/16". The shirasaya measures 25" long overall. The blade and accoutrements weigh 1lb 10oz.