A73631(S3270)
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Naginata-Naoshi Katana unsigned attributed to a work of Ko-Mihara

Koto Nanbokucho period (Enbun era circa 1356-67) Bingo
Length of cutting edge:74.3cm Curvature:1.4cm Width of base:30.0mm Width of Yokote:22.9mm Thickness of base:7.7mm

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Blade construction (kengyo) : Shinogi-zuruki, Iori-mune. Naginata-Naoshi katana. Cutting edge is as long as 2-shaku 4-sun and 5-bu (74.3cm), Mihaba on base is wide and less difference in width toward upper Fukura area leading to an extra long Kissaki. The entire shape is wide and heroically made. (click HERE for high resolution of the blade photograph)
Forging pattern (kitae hada) : Kitae hada is Mokume hada mixing in with partial Itame-hada, quench side shows conspicuous flowing hada ware. The entire hiraji is covered in fine ji-nie (hard metal granules over the surface) with delicate Chikei (darkish Nie lines) activity. Entire Hiraji surface shows misty, whitish Utsuri reflection.
Tempering pattern (hamon) : Hamon is fine Nie based Suguha, starts with a "Notare" wave on base, some indication of "Fushi" Notches. Delicate ASHI frequently works in the interior which is filled with misty Nioi deeply and quench belt shows "Hotsure" fray, "N-ju Ha" double temper indication. "Habuchi" temper edge is covered with thick and uniform Nie hard metal granules, vividly bright. The entire temper is full of Nie and Nioi activities, grand sight.
Temper of tip (boshi) : Boshi is fairly Nie based, delicate irregular activity and "Hakikake" brush with "Yakizume" no-return end.
Tang (Nakago) : Nakago is Suriage cut to be unsigned. Horizontal heel shape. Two Mekugi-ana peg holes. KIRI (horizontal) file marks.
Mihara in Bingo province, where had produced the renowned fine steel since Kamakura period, was strongly influenced by the powerful shrines in central Yamato, therefore Mihara sword makers had followed the typical technique of Yamato school.
Those works from end Kamakura to Nanbokucho period is called "Ko-Mihara" 古三原 and the name of works during Muromachi period is "Mihara" 三原.
The subject heroic katana still remains wide in Mihaba and stands firmly on base leading to an extra large Kissaki that shows the major character of Nanbokucho, 14th century. Also it shows an profound features such as Hotsure fray or Ni-ju-ha double temper indication of Yamato school and radiates misty Utsuri reflection standing out on Hiraji surface. This prominent katana has been treasured by powerful legitimate Samurais in generations and still remains amazing excellent condition over the 650 years.
Shakudo ground gold iroe "Mikaeshi" design double layer Habaki collar, preserved in a Shira-saya plain wood mounting.