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Post by Deleted on Jul 10, 2009 22:13:45 GMT
Hi Guys, I'm trying to figure out what these katanas say that were given to me from my grandma. She got them when her friend from Okinawa passed away a few years ago. Can anyone read what is engraved into the blade under the handle? This is what a person on another form said: 土州住國? Toshû jû Kuni---- (unfortunately, I can't quite see the last image, which is the second kanji in the smiths's name. "Kuni----, a resident of Tosa" These are authentic and likely passed down a generation or two since they were given to my grandmother. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks ! Kyle
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Post by randomnobody on Jul 10, 2009 22:39:26 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 10, 2009 23:12:56 GMT
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Post by randomnobody on Jul 10, 2009 23:48:17 GMT
Interesting. They've both surely seen better days, but I am intrigued by the smaller of the two. I'm not sure what's going on with the itomaki on the kat, but what's left of the wak looks pretty good. The panels on the kat also concern me, but eh, not so unusual, really. Especially if it was mounted as a gunto, which this appears to be. I don't see an arsenal stamp on your picture, but then you only showed one side...but then again the patina on the nakago seems, to me, to suggest more than 60 years have passed since this sword was made. Though I'm somewhat bothered by the heavier rusting at the bottom, as compared to the top, and the red rust still visible. Maybe it is just a war-era blade...but it might be older. I'm no expert so I'll reserve judgement. The wak, though, intrigues me. I just don't know enough kanji to tell you anything more about it. Either way, you've got two pieces of history there, so while they may not sell for much, I'm sure you should have no problems appreciating what they are. Maybe someday you can even find somebody to clean 'em up a bit, but meanwhile try to keep them from getting any worse.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 10, 2009 23:48:44 GMT
Well, you could always give them to me..... As for the age, I don't know for sure. I wouldn't give up just yet though. The fact that there are signatures is a good sign. See if you can get a polisher to open up a window. The mounts look like a shin-gunto, or army officers sword from World War II. But the blades could be much older, often military officers would have familial blades remounted for use. Anyway, hope that helps! Again, have a polisher look at them, or give them to me . The value of the sword is inherent in the value of the person who owns it. The extrinsic value of a sword can mean very little. I have several swords that would only be worth a few hundred, but it would take much more to get me to sell them, as they are pieces that I cherish. If you love the sword, it's value is limitless. Drew
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Post by Deleted on Jul 11, 2009 2:43:37 GMT
Are you trying to sell them? Or just curious how much it is worth? If it's an heirloom, I say find a good place that works with steel and antiques and ask them how to restore this sword... If it's an heirloom, my opinion is to restore it and keep it, since part of your identity (the fact that it's from your grandmother) is in this heirloom... Lovely pieces by the way. Always love to see Japanese kats, whether it's a gunto or otherwise... P.S. Are those blood stains that I see on "Small Sword Side 1" photo?
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Marc Ridgeway
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"The best cost less when you buy it the first time." - Papabear
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Post by Marc Ridgeway on Jul 11, 2009 4:40:16 GMT
Are you trying to sell them? Or just curious how much it is worth? If it's an heirloom, I say find a good place that works with steel and antiques and ask them how to restore this sword... Actually... find a qualified sword polisher to evaluate if the swords are worth restoring, or repolishing... do not let ANYONE ELSE work on them.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 11, 2009 5:15:43 GMT
Actually... find a qualified sword polisher to evaluate if the swords are worth restoring, or repolishing... do not let ANYONE ELSE work on them. I agree with this 100%
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Post by Deleted on Jul 11, 2009 23:17:57 GMT
the katana with the strange wrapping looks like it was originally in handachi mounts. Don't worry about same panels that is no indication of anything as many nihonto have same panels
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Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2009 15:40:00 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2009 15:58:27 GMT
Actually... find a qualified sword polisher to evaluate if the swords are worth restoring, or repolishing... do not let ANYONE ELSE work on them. those two get my vote.
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Post by sparky on Jul 12, 2009 18:39:46 GMT
Definatlly ditto this!! They helped me awhile back with a sword of mine, them cats know their stuff!
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Post by Deleted on Jul 13, 2009 14:41:01 GMT
Actually... find a qualified sword polisher to evaluate if the swords are worth restoring, or repolishing... do not let ANYONE ELSE work on them. those two get my vote. Seconded; no point in getting a Lambo appraised at a Ford dealer, you know?
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Post by Deleted on Jul 13, 2009 15:55:18 GMT
Actually... find a qualified sword polisher to evaluate if the swords are worth restoring, or repolishing... do not let ANYONE ELSE work on them. those two get my vote. I third this notion. Hit a couple of the nihonto forums and post those pics. Try to get some of both sides of the part under the handle.
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