Alex A

Thinking about that, i cant imagine quenching an half inch thick blade and expecting much sori. It also makes me start to think about how the hamon is so defined. Its more defined than that of high quality smiths working on typical thickness blades. That would be one hell of a blade to create, you would think the smith would be proud enough to finish off with a neat yasurime and a mei. Anyways, it is interesting and i will genuinely be glad for those that called it right, should it be right. To me its an oddball Some of us always err on the side of caution and look at items with suspicion, that's a natural process with antiques, i find.

Its getting into Kubutowari type territory, really unusual. Interesting though, thanks

Thanks Tony for the extra picture. To me, the nakago looks odd. As in not too old, a lack of natural patina is the best way to describe it. Also, ive never heard of a sword so thick, which is also odd.

Maybe in hand, the nakago will look better Though what i see here in this image does not strike me as a typical 160 year old sword,

Cant remember ever a situation here where im looking at a saya to verify the age of a sword Thanks for adding the koshirae, must admit, the saya makes it more convincing but thats not enough. The tsuka has been rewrapped and the same is not original either, perhaps a later tsuka. The tsuba looks awkward on this koshirae. Anyways, its not easy judging swords from images, but do you ever get that feeling when you see a blade and something just feels off. Mainly the nakago for me, dont like the kissaki and as Jean points out above. odd.

Ian, there are so many oddball swords out there that don't fit in boxes. Not convinced that sword is 19th century.

Those that think its earlier than Showa Convince us this wasnt a later creation of a Kinnoto style ?

Maybe its the pics but that nakago dont look very old to me. Showa is the impression i get.

Brilliant achievment.

For anyone interested. Stumbled on the Sukenaga wak i mentioned on Bills site. Its a beauty, for me the epitome of the style and with a nice inscription. Polish also appears very good, from images. A Very Special Polished and NBTHK Papered Wakizashi By Yokoyama Sukenaga

Thanks Nanbokucho, Perhaps what Kirill said, maybe Nagamitsu or something, top of heaad Nice sword Parts of it remind me of Gassan.

We need a pic of nakago and dimensions please.

Well yes. Any honest and decent seller will have sword in hand and will see obvious marks or flaws and should point them out to the buyer. Though we know that's not always the case and also as mentioned, folks can genuinely miss stuff. Whatever the case, there should be a refund if the buyers is not happy, no doubt this thread will make some sellers and buyers more cautious. No one wants a sword in the post for two journeys so better doing it right the first time. Glad Brian as added the "Return Policy" to the template. Personally, wouldn't buy a sword from anyone that does not have one.

I think its a good idea for every seller to accept payment and leave the money to one side and stand by the rule that's its not your money until the buyer confirms the purchase is good, anyways, that's what i believe to be fair.

There is a simple solution to this. Buyer is not happy, send sword back. Seller refund buyer when sword arrives. If seller wont refund buyer than that wont help with future sales.