Mumei nihonto identification/dating

[MessengerofDarkness]

For anyone knowledgeable about some of the differences in styles between various eras, I was wondering if anybody might be helpful in giving me some kind of advice or input about when this unsigned blade of mine might be from.

I've had this bade blade on my shelf for a number of years now, and would just like to potentially learn a bit more about its possible origins from people that are more knowledgeable than myself.

The edge has many small nicks and the hamon is particularly hard to photograph due to the blade being out of polish (it is easier to see in person), but the hamon is quite active in some ways and seems somewhat mimi gata in style. The nakago follows the sori of the blade enough that I suspect suriage, as the nagasa is only 25 & 1/4 inches with the nakago 7 inches. The mune is in a standard iori style.

Inquiries of the same blade on the SBG forum resulted in some mixed opinions, with users suggesting a Soshu construction dating to the Koto era, although I would never mind further input from people that simply know far more about Nihonto than I likely ever will.

I also apologize for my poor photography, as I'm not a great cameraman.

Any knowledge or advice would be appreciated, thank you.

[Geraint]

Dear Alex.

 

Just to start the ball rolling.....  As we will have a hard time seeing very much in these photographs then take what I say with the proverbial pinch of salt.

The nakago would certainly suggest that the sword is suriage however that of itself does not indicate age.

 

The image that does seem to be clear is of the boshi which appears to be sugu ha.  Given the rest of the hamon this would be a strong indicator of a Shinto sword.

 

All the best.