Winchester

Photos of the reverse side, had challenges with the lighting.

Better pictures of the hamon, trying to capture in the light.

And even more photos......(can only fit two images at a time due to max file size). Please zoom in for more details.

More photos.............

And more photos.....I just used a microfiber cloth to remove the choji oil on it, but some finely remains.

Here are some more photos.

I should know better than to post just one picture and not several showing the overall detail. Sorry. This is at an awkward angle because I had other projects on my bench; which is also why I was holding it with one hand an got choji oil on it all over with a microfiber cloth, but later wiped off the excess. I'll follow up with more pictures soon.

Hope everyone is doing well. Can someone tell me if this is a 1st generation Yoshimichi? I believe it is, but am still a very new collector. I went to use choji oil on it for maintenance and had to use the fiber cloth to hold the tang which is why it appears somewhat shiny, sorry about that. Please zoom in on the photo for reference. His signature is known for being in the shape of a boat sail. I have seen others but they do not state online what generation it is--that I could determine. Really nice hamon, big, beautiful, and looks like clouds. Will be taking it to shinsa next year at the Chicago show; just more or less curious in the mean time. I really like it. Thanks in advance.

Check this out for reference: https://nihontoclub.com/smiths/IYE381

I am a not an expert so take my opinion with a grain of salt. I have two signed Ietsugu katanas; one is by the father first of that name who was active in 1469-1487. Hawley rating of 20. His son was active in 1487-1489, rating of 30. None of the signatures I have which are papered or the ones I found online look like your example; just my observation.

OP, don't be too hard on yourself. This hobby takes a tremendous amount of study in my opinion. I am also a new collector...been collecting for about a year and a half and try to read on the subject daily. I am just barely scratching the surface with an hour or two a day on average. As someone else mentioned, I have found the resources here and on dealers websites to be extremely valuable. I haven't started my book collection on this topic yet--which I admit is a flaw in my approach--and that is likely where you and I will get a lot of mileage. Good luck and enjoy each moment.

I appreciate it Ray and will buy from you, just waiting for the one that talks to. me. What range on the year? I think its 1400's..........

I apologize in advance, I forgot what these papers stated and cannot find my notes. Please reference the attached; paid $6K USD for the blade. I will make a donation to the forum in August, upon receiving advice as a way to pay it forward as the saying goes.

Makes sense, Rivkin. I was just curious. All of the replies have been very helpful--thanks, everyone.

As the title suggests, I am wondering where people buy higher-end nihonto. Thinking or tire-kicking a spend over $10K. Where do you shop?

Thanks for your feedback and I look forward to other opinions as well. What do you suppose value to be?

Thank you in advance for your feedback and expert commentary. I really have no clue what the value is. I like it a lot.

And a few more photos.

Here are some more photos.

Friends, I am hopeful you can help this new collector. I have a friend who is offering me this tanto for sale. It is mumei; sorry for the confusion. The quality seems to be exceptional. Do you have a sense of the value? We are trying to determine a fair price and I have no clue, neither does he. Any additional information? The thought was it may be Osoraku. Edit: IT IS MUMEI SORRY FOR MISTAKE. More pictures to follow. Thanks for your help.

I am a new collector, but I really like it. Thanks for sharing.

Happy for you!!!! Enjoy!

My mistake, sorry it has been a busy week. I will send you a private message momentarily.

Has the nakago been polished? Feel free to PM me. Thanks in advance. Edit: Sorry please disregard due to item location. Being new to the hobby, I am presently only buying within US.

When I am feeling better, I will try to get more high-resolution photos. I really tried to do different angles and such without a light box and additional lighting, but see now that I will need to. I just plain like it so it is more an intellectual pursuit, as usual, versus trying to make money or something. To me, it is beautiful, not a reproduction and I am honored to own it.