AirDog01

I have an unsigned wakizashi. It is in excellent shape. No chips old polish. Ready for full restoration. A friend is willing to trade for a wakizashi that is signed but in lesser shape. I’m inclined to pass but I’m curious about the signature. It was reported to have been a war souvenir. Amy thoughts on the signature?

So I currently have two swords, one is almost finished (polishing and restoration), the second is just a cool old (1300s) wakizashi. Love em both. Just came across an interesting sword and story that I'd like to pass along and see if anybody has advice or input for a friend of mine. He came across a wakizashi in of all places a local community theater prop room - he knows enough to realize this sword shouldn't be used as a prop and managed to save it. It looks old - not just old but really old and authentic. It's in pretty rough shape, but my inexperienced gut tells me it is worth investigating its origins. I can get more pictures but I was able to snap the signature. Any thoughts on this particular signature.

Thank you!

Josia Boomershine Any US based polisher recommendations?

Josia Boomershine

Brian, I suppose you are probably correct. I’m not into the blade for too much and I’m learning a lot. This one will hopefully help ensure I don’t make mistakes the next time around when there is more on the line. Still, I think it is interesting if nothing more than for the age. For comparison I have some native pots in my collection that were made about the same time - a little earlier. The differences in technology and culture are amazing. Both beautiful in their own way - but the cultures were worlds apart at the time. The flaws I assume will lessen the value of the blade but it’s still art and technology well represented. A treasure for a novice like me.

Hi All! I picked up a Wakizashi this week - a local family is struggling to cover medical expenses after a cancer diagnosis and are liquidating pretty much everything. I purchased the piece without any due diligence mostly as a favor but also because it’s interesting the the family needs the help. Personally, this is my second sword and I feel as if I’m getting in deep and running blind. I will be slowing down and taking more time to read before any more purchases. Although my wife is still supportive of this new interest I don’t want to push it too far too fast. Anyway, the wakizashi came with some documentation. Not sure how legit this is or what it represents. Any help discerning what I have would be appreciated. Seems like it might have some age ~ 14th century. With a family name. Tha’s about what I can tell. Any thoughts or input would be appreciated. Respectfully, Mark Gaskill

Just sold my bikes after moving to Washington state. Looking for a boat but came across this sword and am reevaluating........ Perhaps both I think. My eyes are open for something else as I learn more. I’d like to find myself with something with a bit more age but I need to learn a lot more first.

Thank you everybody!! Dan, Bruce, Uwe you rock. I'm looking forward to getting the blade back from the polisher - several months I suspect. This is a deep hole I think I'm getting myself into. Really enjoying learning and realizing the complexity here. Very humbling, but rewarding. Respectfully, Mark G

Hi Bruce. Thanks for the date assistance. There are no other numbers or markings other than the text and the star pictured. This includes the fittings. I was kinda expecting to see those as well since it appears to have been made during the war vs an older piece placed into service. From what I understand sword making during this period was pretty chaotic with a lot of moving pieces Looks to be pretty well made but will see what the polisher has to say in coming weeks. I have a lot to learn!

Here are higher quality photos.

Sorry everybody, I posted this elsewhere before noting this topic section. My apologies for the other post. Will try to delete. Just picked up a late WWII piece with some interesting markings and signatures. It’s off to the polishers now, but any help deciphering would be greatly appreciated. Mark G (AirDog)