【Important notes】 ・International buyers are responsible for any import duties, taxes, and charges not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please note that VAT paid to Catawiki is separate from and does not cover import duties or customs charges in your country. You may still be required to pay additional fees upon delivery, as determined by your local customs authorities. ・Damage and Issues: If you receive a damaged item, please contact us immediately. The damage must be reported to your local post office within 7 days of delivery, and promptly to us and Catawiki support. 【Important notes – Swords】 ・Please note that obtaining the necessary export permit for sword typically takes about 3 to 4 weeks, so kindly be aware of this timeline in advance. ・The following countries prohibit sword imports, so please refrain from bidding. (AUSTRIA, BELGIUM & the UNITED KINGDOM) ・The following countries can be shipped by airmail (GERMANY, FRANCE, POLAND, CROATIA & the UNITED STATES). All other destinations will be shipped by Japan Post seamail (lead time 3 to 4 months), as airlines refuse to carry swords. However, if you require faster delivery, air shipping may be possible through a different carrier for an additional fee, so please contact us. 【Product details】 This early Edo period Japanese katana is signed "越前國住包則新八" (Echizen no Kuni ju Kanenori Shinpachi) and is presented in a complete set of black lacquer mountings, accompanied by its original storage bag. The blade displays a beautiful hamon and visible forging patterns within the steel, adding visual depth and character to the surface. Kanenori Shinpachi was active in Echizen Province (present-day Fukui Prefecture) during the early Edo period. The first-generation Kanenori (1574–1642), known by the common name “Shinpachi,” was a descendant of the Echizen Kanenori line and originally came from the Seki sword-making tradition of Mino Province. His lineage is connected to the Sanami school, and his blades are historically regarded as functional “Wazamono,” valued for their cutting ability. The presence of “Shinpachi” in the signature indicates a work by the first generation, making this a particularly important and early example from the Edo period. The iron sword guard (modern) is decorated with an openwork chrysanthemum branch design, known as edagiku sukashi, featuring flowers, leaves, and connecting stems. Adjustment marks are visible around the tang opening. The handle ornaments depict bamboo with gold inlay on one side, while the other ornament features an unidentified gold-inlaid motif. Bamboo traditionally symbolises resilience, integrity, and steady growth, as it bends without breaking and remains evergreen throughout the year. The sword comes with a copy of its Firearms and Swords Registration Certificate, as the original document will be returned to the authorities. The certificate records the blade as a katana registered in Gifu Prefecture under number 67669. It lists a blade length of 63.8 cm with a curvature of 1.1 cm, two peg holes, and the inscription 越前國住包則新八 on the front. The certificate was issued on 22 December, Heisei 4 (1992). Condition notes are as follows. There is an extremely small chip at the very tip of the blade. The blade shows a few forging flaws and minor scratches consistent with age. The ray skin on the handle has a few cracks, and there is paint loss on the handle with patina and colour changes to the metal fittings. The scabbard shows scuffs and scratches. The storage bag has surface wear, slight discolouration, and areas of soiling. Overall, the blade remains in good condition, while the mountings are in fair to good condition. Please refer to the photos for details. Total length of the blade: 79 cm Total length including scabbard: 92 cm ・Please make sure to review all the provided information and images before placing your bid. ・Attribution provided for reference only, subject to authentication. ・We make every effort to accurately represent the product's colors and textures in our photos. However, due to differences in monitors and device displays, as well as photographic conditions, slight color variations between the photos and the actual product may occur. We ask for your understanding in advance. Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!