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Post by polytech on Jan 25, 2024 5:11:46 GMT
I picked these up from a buddy “he inherited them from his grandfather”, not really educated in Japanese swords. Have been learning the language recently I was offered these. The mei close up appears to read nagamitsu. The longer one appears to be a bit older from the tang. I was trying to see what period they were from. Almost a tachi in shape/length but the mei isn’t in the proper place for tachi. I was trying to get a group opinion on whether to restore them. Only came with the blade nothing else imgur.com/a/aYfzg2Simgur.com/a/UJnnC8rPics are in the link. Really appreciate the help in advance!
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Post by larason2 on Jan 25, 2024 15:44:35 GMT
I think they're probably authentic Japanese, but in a poor state of polish. We could use more close up pictures, of the tang on both sides (end of the tang pointing down for signature), close up of the metal of the blade and of the tip, and the area under the habaki (the blade collar) with the habaki off. It may say Nagamitsu, but sometimes the signature doesn't match the blade! (we call this gimei).
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Post by Jussi Ekholm on Jan 25, 2024 18:20:24 GMT
Do you have measurements for the swords. I think the Nagamitsu katana could plausibly be late Muromachi sword, late 1500´s.
There were many Nagamitsu named smiths working in various parts of Japan during that time, and not all of them made into famous sword references. It is not the work of the famous Kamakura period Nagamitsu from Bizen.
The restoration issue is very difficult one and I do not feel qualified in that field as I have never commissioned a restoration and I do not plan in the future either. Financially restoration might not be beneficial but you will practically save a sword when doing so, so it is hugely appreciated. However the problem is that the value of an "average" sword is not really super high and restoration when done properly can cost a lot of money.
Depending on where you are located it could also be possible to show them to someone in person to get a good opinion and view of the items.
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Post by polytech on Jan 25, 2024 19:49:45 GMT
I do see that it is about $3000 to restore something properly. Which I would be happy to do. I wanted to get opinions on if it was something that should be done and if it had some value already. In my mind I was wondering if I would be paying to restore like a 69 Camaro or we talking a Volkswagen Beetle.
IEither of us not knowing what they were.
Longer one is about 30 inches 76.2ish cm cutting edge Bottom of tang to tip 38 5/8ths “
Smaller blade Cutting edge 20” 3/8” Bottom Tang to tip 20.5 “
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Post by Jussi Ekholm on Jan 26, 2024 19:50:13 GMT
It has good length on it. So it is interesting signed and long one.
I am not too well versed in US market or EU market as I pretty much only follow Japan. Prices are bit different everywhere. So it might be the best to ask local (or somewhat local) sword dealer what their estimate would be.
Also the fact that qualified restorers are very few outside of Japan. I am not competent to really recommend anyone and it is bit of a hornets nest when people start do debate how can do what.
I do feel the problem would financially be who the smith is. If it would be an unknown Nagamitsu from Muromachi period it wouldn't really be all that valuable (subjectively) even when properly restored. I think as the length is so long there would be interested people and I still feel in bad case it could even be +-0 when restored. Optimally many would want NBTHK papers from Japan for it and it would also add extra cost, the amount would depend on if the restoration would already being made in Japan.
While antique Japanese swords are quite expensive in general, the vast majority of them are still not very expensive items.
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Post by larason2 on Jan 27, 2024 0:09:51 GMT
It's true a lot of these end up being more money to restore than they are worth, and these might be the case. Jussi is right on though when he says that the katana is on the longer side, which is desirable. If you plan to try to polish it in Japan and then send it to the NBTHK to have it assessed, then plan for a 1-2 year wait minimum. It's also tricky to find the right person to polish it, there's a lot of demand and not much supply of the pros, so they often won't take all but the best blades. So you have to shop around a bit to try to find someone, which may be frustrating. Sometimes you won't find anyone qualified, so you'll have to wait a bit then try again.
Shipping it at the right time for the assessment is also tricky, too early they won't take it, too late and they won't assess it! If you have a dealer in Japan take care of that, it helps simplify the process, but that would also cost. The NBTHK guys come to the US once in a while (usually around once per year), but they do assessments in Japan much more often. If you want this as a heirloom piece though, it's worth the struggle, time and wait. It's usually not worth it to try to increase the value (though it probably will). The market is just too flooded with well polished blades of a similar quality level.
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karl j
Manufacturer/Vendor
Posts: 178
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Post by karl j on Jan 27, 2024 22:59:26 GMT
Not a famous nagammitsu. However, the longer nagasa, is a very nice to have. Sword has an overall pleasing shape, likely some kissaki chipping repaired over the course of its existence as evidenent by the amount of tip in boshi as compared to the length and shape of the termination of the shinogi ji
My gut is leaning gemei at best, hard to give more attributes without better pics.
As far as having it polished, it's a subjective call. Bare in mind, there are likely just as many if not more sub par polishers in Japan. I've seen some horrid work come out of Japan. Lots of bad state side too.
All that said,I'd open a window in a section and see what's lurking beneath the years
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