Mortis

Also, Steve, I wanted to say that I appreciate how you take the time to go into such detail, by showing the kanji, the Japanese translation, and then the English translation. That is really helpful to educate those of us who have a hard time with reading kanji.

Thank you both. I can make out the Kane kanji, but not the sada kanji very much. You two have helped me with translations before, and it's such a special gift you provide to the other members of the NMB. May I also ask, is it all that unusual to engrave the date of suriage? I'm pretty new to nihonto, but I don't recall seeing it very frequently at all. Also, why might it be done and would it point to being a better quality or more valuable blade?

Gentleman, May I ask for a translation of this blade with an orikaeshi mei? Im told the mei reads Kanesada, attributed to the 17th century. Not papered. It is in WW II era mounts. Thank you so much.

Thanks so much for the advice. I was thinking of an offer in the 5 to 6 hundred dollar range.

Asking for input on what this kizu may be, a fukure or a ware, or both? Also, any comments on the significance of said kizu would be much appreciated. The blade in question would be a possible rescue from a certain rusty future and if it would be worthwhile in attempting to save it. I do realize that almost any kind of kizu in gendaito is pretty undesirable.

This is wonderful reading. Thanks so much for posting these articles. There is a great documentary, "Japan's War In Color", that shows World War II from the Japanese perspective that is excellent. I'm sure plenty of you all have seen that already as well.

Just this past Friday, I saw one at a militaria auction (Morphy's, in Denver, PA) go for $1,800.00. It had different koshirae and the blade looked to be in rougher shape though. Also, I believe there was one for sale on the NMB a few weeks ago. The seller lived in England I think and was asking somewhere around 1700 British pounds if I remember correctly.

Thank you Stephen and Lee. I am still waiting on additional photos.

Gentlemen, I am contemplating purchasing this blade, but am first appealing to the more knowledgeable, to help verify legitimacy. I have no reason to believe otherwise, but in doing some research, I can only seem to find examples with longer signatures, such as Echigo No Kuni Ju Imani Sadaroku Saku and a few other different longer versions. I can't find any examples with just two kanji. There is a topic regarding this smith on the NMB from many years ago, but I don't know how to link it. So, it was translated to me as: Showa 19 September 1944 Sadaroku Also in conjunction, may I ask, what would a fair ballpark value be on this type/era of blade. The asking price is over $1,500, which I deem as way too high in my novice opinion. It is just basically just a bare blade, no habaki, and just the upper portion of a shirasaya w/ no tsuka. The blade itself seems in good shape, maybe a tiny bit of rust here and there from what I can see from photos. I do realize to get a habaki and shirasaya made would be likely over $1,500. So, again I ask for opinions to make a fair offer so I'm not upside down on the money or if it's worth it to make an offer at all. Thank you all for any advise you may impart. Edit to add: Thank you, Brian. I have asked for additional photos of the blade, especially the kissaki, but this is the best one I have currently.

Sure thing, John. What did you have in mind. I'm in Shippensburg, btw.

John, Thanks for the reply and advise. Mark, Thanks so much or the offer, that would be great. Looking forward on the calendar, that seems to be a weekend that I'm due to work, but I might try to drive out on Thursday for a few hours for the opportunity. I actually met and spoke with you earlier this year at the Baltimore Antique Arms Show.

Gentlemen, I am looking for some direction and suggestions on how to go about getting some help in determining what I hold in my small newbie collection of three years. I have a mumei shinshinto katana and a mumei early shinto wakizashi/possible uchi katana (guessing). Both blades are in polish and are mounted in koshirae.....franken koshirae I would say, but at least it's another feature and offers other things to look at, admire, and study. I still feel, in my newbieness, greatful to have these in my possession and for the lessons they have taught me. I also hold a mounted, papered, koto wakizashi -Yoshii Fujiwara Kiyonori- that I purchased form Mr. Danny Massey- that I'm still very pleased with and that I feel can be a lifetime keeper type sword for me. Message board bonifides....lol....so you all know that I maybe have some sense and better idea of what to collect....lol. Anyway, I understand that these two are very likely not valuable swords. However, I know what I paid for them and would ideally like to understand what it is I own and what reasonable value they hold concurrent to the sword market, etc. Like many of you, I definitely peruse the well known American sword dealers websites relentlessly and know that several offer such services. I live in South Central Pennsylvania, and would ideally like to, in person, have these swords evaluated in hand as an aide to study and education. As I progress within this hobby I would like to plan for the time whereas I can use these swords to sell, trade, etc....free up funds for further study. Would anyone know of any Japanese sword experts who may offer such a service in the mid-Atlantic or east coast or eastern mid-west region of the United States? Any ideas, advise, and suggestions relating to questions stated or un-stated would be most welcome. I can definetly try to take and post some photos if anyone feels like that would aide in this post. I am here to learn. Thank you all for any wisdom you more seasoned collectors may care to impart.

Gentlemen, There's been quite a few posts regarding Mantetsu lately. May I ask, has anyone ever seen or heard of any differences, in quality or any aspect really, regarding the various ways in which they were signed, the year or place it was made, or the presence/absence of stamps or kanji that's been lacquer/painted on the nakago? Some (like the one under discussion) look to have nicer yasurimei. Kevin Jones @ ryujinswords has some great writing on the hardness hence well known cutting prowess of these swords http://www.ryujinswords.com/koaisshin.htm Ed's superlative photos of the hamon makes it look like this one could take off an appendage fairly effortlessly. Even though it sounds weird, to me, I feel like the steel just does look harder!

I'm gonna go with Brian's theory. If the photos turn out right, you can see there's a portion of the nakago, near the hamachi, that is (or was) polished and has no file marks. There are other spots here and there that show the same, easier seen in hand of course. Also, both the mune and ha machi seem very shallow for a blade that doesn't look so old.

Stephen, I'll get on that when I get home from work tonight.

Ok fellas, here's some additional photos. Blade is in shirasaya, brass habaki, and honest to God, I think I can see some hada in this thing. Also, I don't know how to prevent the photos from becoming inverted in some cases.

Thank you all. Never was I under the illusion that this might be some lost treasure, but for 25 bucks....meh? Cutting/stabbing thing useful for messing around with?......exactly. Useful for garden work?.....ok! It is actually pretty sharp. Bet it would open up a pretty good gash on some poor fool/intruder should they ever set foot in the NOT "public display area" (aka the place in my house where the good, papered/polished swords are kept...lol...I have but one)..oh yeah! I have pretty thick skin. I don't care. The one uhh....unhelpful comment above.....can still be pretty helpful. A kick in the ass can still be considered a step forward. I love this place, am grateful for it's existence, and I apologize for cluttering up the board with junk.

Thank you gentlemen. No I did not....$25 dollars, so I didn't have very high hopes whatsoever, one way or another. Had in mind a cheap piece for "public" display. Thanks again.

Thoughts on the mei? Sword has no hamon that I can see and the nakago has virtually no patina, if there ever was. It is sharp though.

Mr. Hennick posting with some great advice on this thread. Letters to museum curators is something I never even would have contemplated before. Wonderful, if also intimidating, suggestion for the bold right there. I feel like you'd have to be considered beyond average in knowledge to knock on that door though.

Thank you Steve. That depiction is just great. I will pass this on to the owner when I return the sword.

Steve, I was wondering, is the first (wider) kanji Fukumoto Kanemune, a space, and then the long combination of kanji a date?

Thank you Bruce and Steve. Bruce, may I ask, what would you consider a good ballpark value? I get the impression that the owner will be looking to sell this sword. I'm not necessarily interested unless the asking price would be fairly inexpensive. She told me that her husband paid$1,000 for it and I told her that I thought that it was a lot to pay, and think maybe more like $600/700 at auction. I've seen the late war variants (in worse condition) go for as much around here.

Gentleman, for your viewing pleasure. So, this sword was found in 2009 or so. The owner said her husband bought it at an estate auction, where it was found wrapped in a blanket in the rafters of the barn. The owners of the estate had moved there in the late 40's and had never known of its existence. Looks in pretty good shape all things considered. Of course, the blade is somewhat rusty and the saya is missing its koguchi. It is signed and has an illegible stamp. All of the koshirae has matching numbers (51 C - and a star stamp, even the tsuba and saya.) My questions are: The mei? Looks to be of the "chippy" variety. I can't read it. Also, the stamp? I really can't make it out either. Look familiar to anyone? Also, the matching numbers koshirae. Does that denote anything in particular. I would lean toward "machine made", but I don't know much. I'm sure the photos are not the greatest and will turn sideways (I don't know how to prevent that). Thanks for looking everyone.

Hey, did anyone not in attendance check out that 6th photo and look up Shinbudo? I don't practice in this manner (there's no school anywhere, or even remotely close, here in south central pennsyltucky), but definitely would given the opportunity. WOW! Those are some amazing bokken! That gentleman has certainly taken the craftsmanship to another level both in asthetics and functionality. Some great work and so beautiful....should be proud of that! If you read this message board sir...great work!!!!!