|
|
Post by freyrstrong on Mar 24, 2024 1:38:22 GMT
Hello all! I am new to this forum. I have collected WWII Japanese swords for a while and understand their basics. Recently I acquired this Sword with several wartime swords. I thought it was a modern reproduction but I no longer think it is. Can someone here help me identify it? It has a one character signature on the tang. I believe it is "Echizen" but I am no expert. I thank you in advance for any information or advice or direction in this matter! Regards |
|
|
|
Post by larason2 on Mar 24, 2024 21:00:57 GMT
It's in very poor polish and rust damaged, but I agree, likely authentic. Looks to me because of the blade thickness and the shape of the tang to be a cut down tachi (an older style of sword). However, they didn't bother to try to save much of the signature, which means it probably wasn't considered a notable smith. Not sure what that character is, but it probably doesn't matter. Standard advice applies here, polishing it properly in Japan will probably cost more than it's worth, shinsa could tell you more, but they only look at it with a proper polish. We have a few other members that can probably fill in more details. Nice piece though, I'd be delighted to have a cut down tachi!
|
|
|
|
Post by freyrstrong on Mar 24, 2024 23:44:18 GMT
Larason,
Thank you for the reply, I looked into NTHK America to see if I could get more information but it seems quite expensive. Is there any online community where I can ask for value opinions? Would other pictures help (other angles or close-ups?) Do you know how I could figure out if the other parts of the sword are old?
Thank you for my very first reply.
|
|
|
|
Post by larason2 on Mar 25, 2024 11:17:38 GMT
The fittings are likely authentic, probably edo period (but not very well done!). The brass seppa and habaki look like they have the right patina. If you give me a close up of the tsuba (hand guard) I can say more about that. Sometimes a tsuba is damaged, and they replace with a modern one. Sometimes the Nihonto message board can give more info, but sometimes they aren't very kind! Still, for confirmation you usually need to pay for an expensive service. Echizen was a sword producing area, and usually on signatures from this time period, the first part was where it was made.
|
|
|
|
Post by tweet on Mar 25, 2024 18:12:10 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by freyrstrong on Mar 28, 2024 15:55:00 GMT
I will try to get some photos of the tsuba this weekend. Thank You!
|
|
|
|
Post by madirish on Mar 28, 2024 18:10:12 GMT
r/katanas might help as well.
|
|
|
|
Post by freyrstrong on Apr 5, 2024 0:35:46 GMT
Tsuba closeups Attachments:
|
|
|
|
Post by larason2 on Apr 5, 2024 1:56:28 GMT
Tsuba looks like a cast reproduction. You can see the casting lines on the mimi (edge). If this was authentic, the inlaid elements would look much finer, and they would be more distinctly different colours and textures. Too bad, but this is very common! If a tsuba of this design were authentic, it would be very valuable!
|
|
|
|
Post by treeslicer on Apr 5, 2024 2:24:21 GMT
My impression is that it's an out of polish but sound o-suriage katana blade of uncertain age (but possibly pre 1600 koto), with a decent but uninspired suguha hamon. It has been mounted unprofessiionally with cheap modern parts. I'd use something like this (after improving the mounts a bit) for an iaido sword and tameshigiri cutter. As is, IMHO, it's worth something around $700 to $1200 dollars for the authentic blade alone.
|
|
|
|
Post by freyrstrong on Apr 5, 2024 14:05:38 GMT
Thanks for the reply and assessment. I will try to get some better parts for it. I really love it. Is it worthwhile to get the NBTHK to certify it? does that help the value of the blade?
|
|
|
|
Post by treeslicer on Apr 6, 2024 2:47:15 GMT
Thanks for the reply and assessment. I will try to get some better parts for it. I really love it. Is it worthwhile to get the NBTHK to certify it? does that help the value of the blade? Yes, but for that, there's paperwork, the blade has to be shipped to Japan for shinsa, it also needs professional polishing, and that all costs serious money. If you aren't eager to sell it, just enjoy it, and cut some bamboo and tatami with it.
Also, before I'd consider NBTHK certification, I'd run it past NTHK at the Orlando Japanese Sword Show. Lots cheaper. |
|
|
|
Post by kmc on Apr 22, 2024 16:26:38 GMT
Hello. A friend bequeathed me this sword. It is a 15.5" blade (from nagasa). It is signed. I am interested in knowing the exact nature of this sword. What is it? O-tanto or ko-wakizashi? It needs professional polish. There is a nice wave and spray hamon that is faintly visible. Is it worth the investment?
I eagerly await uour replies, should you be so inclined.
|
|
|
|
Post by larason2 on Apr 22, 2024 16:51:17 GMT
I'd call it a wakizashi, it is actually not that short for one. It's signed, but the signature is worthless, since the parts of interest have been cut off. It actually has a plain suguha (straight line) hamon, there's no "wave" or "spray" visible. What you're interpreting as a hamon is actually rust damage. Having it professionally polished in Japan will increase it's value, but I think the polish will probably cost more than its worth. You'd have to decide if it's worth the investment to you.
|
|
