A 17th century Japanese katana (long sword) by Awataguchi Minamoto Hirotsuna saku, signed to one side on tang, the other side signed ‘Namban Tetsu Wo Motte Tsukuru’ translated to: made from foreign (Dutch) steel, the blade with a single groove to each side, in good old polish, undulating straight temper line visible, no flaws to blade, the quality satsuma style fittings mounted to the sword include matching tsuba and fuchi with relief raised dragons amongst cresting waves highlighted with gold sprays, rebound handle with matching gilt dragon menuki, the black lacquered scabbard with fine ribbing, highlighted with gilded Paulownia and Kiku Satsuma mons, complete with original sash cord, the scabbard tip (kajiri) in soft metal highlighted in silver and gold with a dragon. Length overall 93 cm Note: Hirotsuna was active in 1673 and was a student of the master smith Tadatsuna.