Shintō Ko-Wakizashi by Watanabe Norichiyo (SW2014)

Signed 渡邊則千代作 (Watanabe Norichiyo saku)  Nagasa: 36.4 cm (14 5/16”) Nakago: one mekugi-ana, patinated, signed Sugata: straight to shallow-curved ko-wakizashi with standard kissaki Era: Edo period, Shintō era (17th–18th century) Mounts: simple copper habaki, shirasaya section  This ko-wakizashi is signed by the otherwise little-recorded smith Watanabe Norichiyo, whose name does not appear in the standard modern indices, suggesting either a provincial maker or a rare signature variant. The blade has a straight to very shallow-curved form typical of mid-Shintō work, with a suguha to shallow notare hamon visible in the current hybrid polish. The nakago shows appropriate age patina and well-cut mei.  Condition: The blade remains in solid polish with the hamon visible, though there are scattered kitae-ware and a small chip at the kissaki;.