ChrisW

Ask for a picture of the same spot on the other side, that will be telling.

And the other side:

Not as beautiful as the above, but here is a habaki from a Yasumitsu sunnobu tanto I just picked up:

Usually found on older blades, it is where the tsuba (over the centuries) has subtly or in this case not-so-subtly bit into the softer steel of the nakago.

Thanks. I needed a good laugh today! I didn't realize April First came twice this year.

Old Kicho papers. Almost always you should disregard them. Edit: To explain, there was a major scandal in the 1970's where it was found out that there was Yakuza meddling in the papering process that resulted in probably thousands of blades getting papers that should have not. This scandal nearly broke the NBTHK and forced a completely new papering system and rule set to be devised so as to de-legitimize the old ones. When you see old Kicho papers, you should dismiss them as force of habit and judge the blade on its own merits. Not to say that all old papers aren't correct; but by now, most blades have been repapered in the new system and thus what is left is highly likely to be false.

This looks like a form of Hitatsura. Hitatsura is usually defined as such when there is hardening along the body of the blade and not just the ha or mune.

With Shinshinto, you do need to be a bit selective as there were a lot of not so artistic smiths just making blades to get by. However, you can run across beauties like this: Obviously, the smiths who had the time and wherewithal to imitate, study, and expand upon their Koto masters were the best: Kiyomitsu, Sadakazu, Kanesada to name a few. I'd argue that the relative recentness of these works makes it more relevant to study them while the items and the history is still easier to preserve. Given time, all things wither and disappear under the sands.

The nakago for such a young blade is also heavily compromised. He made both gendaito and showato so unless you get a window done, it may difficult to make the call of which it is. Condition is everything, so the value will suffer due to the poor state of preservation of the nakago and the blade itself Kanefusa is a 1st seat rikugen, and his blades are prized, so that is the upside. Value is hard to call due to the condition but good gendaito is decent old polish start around $2500. Showato in decent shape are about $1500. You won't see either of those values without restoration. You're unfortunately looking at not a lot past $500-600 as it sits. This blade might be worth putting in front of a trained Japanese sword polisher (togishi) for evaluation. But the nakago would probably put this in the "passion project" category. If its important to your family, see about restoration, keep it and treasure it. Regardless, do not do anything to the blade yourself except keeping the edge gently oiled with a light mineral oil or choji oil.

Gendaito, in the collecting sphere are blades that are between 1880ish and 1945. Anything after that is a Shinsakuto, aka modern. These blades are not gendaito and probably Chinese made. Boshi looks too awkward to be proper Japanese also.

Its not overly common no.

The blade is an "anti-rust" steel gunto. I believe this due to the fact that the nakago is as clean as it is and has the same higaki yasurime that I see on others of this steel-type.

The kashira is called a "Kabutogane", the fuchi is the same name. Menuki are pretty standard. That tsuba appears to be a decent non-pierced mid to late war tsuba. The piece at the throat of the saya is called a kuchigane. The hanger is called a haikan; it is interesting that there's two and it appears it is tachi-slung! The metal fixture 2/3 of the way down on the scabbard is called a semegane (I think). And the end piece is called an ishizuki (similar term to what is found on a naginata's pole). The particular pieces on this gunto appear to haave gold trim which is a nice bonus. The leather is indeed very supple still shown by the fact that you're able to remove it and put it back on! The stitching on the combat cover appears to be an optional upgrade they chose. Afraid I can't see much of the blade to give an opinion of that, but the habaki appears to be a standard gunto habaki. Lastly, its nice that you have the weather cover original to this blade! Most of the time, those were discarded/thrown away. The mounts appear to be missing a sarute and rank-appropriate tassel, so can't say much there! I own several showato/gendaito and have sold several too; as well as having several older blades in gunto mounts. The mounts for this one are in very nice condition and has a lot going for it in terms of quality too.

You're in Europe, so I am afraid I cannot assist you with finding an artisan. But there are several members here who could! Marius is one such gentleman that comes to mind: https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/profile/221-marius/

As I stated in your other thread; the koshirae while simple are very nice and warrant a look at restoration by a professional.