This is an amazing circa 1670 (Kanbun) Japanese “Samurai” Katana signed by Hizen Kuni Ju Omi Daijo Fujiwara Tadahiro and is accompanied with a circa 1978 certificate. This was found to be authentic and correct and offered by Bonhams & Butterfield in a 2004 auction where it was listed in lot 4051 with a value of $15,000-$25,000. The certificate is from Suiken Fukunaga a noted expert and author of Katana’s from February 16, 1978 which notes this as being No. 253 with the Name of the bladesmith or smith being “HIZEN NO KUNI JU OMI DAIJO FUJIWARA NO Signed TADA HIRO (Hizen-kuni-ju Omi daijo Fujiwara TADAHIRO) from the Province of Huzen Saga, year Kanbun (1670), blade length 69.3 cm, Hamon Suguha, Rivet hole 1, rank fair signed Suiken Fukunaga with accompanying signatures, stampings and the original Japanese markings. This certificate displays gilt gold floral and peacock designs with 4 hanko stamps on the certificate and comes with a rubbing of the tang of the blade. The katana blade displays a Shinogi Zukuri design with a toriizori curve to the blade. The tang features a Swordsmith inscription reading "Hizen No Kuni-ju Omi Daijo Fujiwara No Tada Hiro" with the blade crafted in Kanbun 1670 in the province of Hizen Saga. The blade displays Damascus construction with a New Japanese polish in 1981. 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 along with other blades. The blade comes with an original Bonhams & Butterfields catalog with the blade under 4051 on page 25 along with 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 katana comes with a proper sword sleeve and shows wonderful condition overall. For reference, another Hizen Katana with the same Hizen Kuni Ju Fujiwara Tadahiro sword sold at Christies auction in November 2004 for $33,460. The blade measures 35 1/8" long overall including the tang with the edge measuring 27 1/4". The shirasaya measures 38 1/2" long overall. The blade and accoutrements weigh 3lbs 2oz.