zhangziyi777

I am unsure on who the curator was but looking up i got this link, https://www.mfa.org/collections/conservation/division_objectslab

This was info on the sword when purchased: This prized family heirloom is a 17th century Japanese katana, liberated in World War II by the father of its current owner. The age of the blade was determined by the curator of the Asiatic collection in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. The tang is not signed; this is rare, but not unheard of, according to the curator. At one point the handle was disassembled in order to see the last word and testament from the samurai that owned it, which is written on the inside. The Fred Lohman company was tasked with restoring the handle in order to keep the menuki and tsuba in the excellent condition they have retained over the years. The handle is made of sting ray skin wrapped in silk. There are several small marks on the blade; they look like they might be from blood eating into the finish.?˜The katana measures 34.5 inches from the tip of the blade to the end of the handle, and 25 inches from the tip of the blade to the tsuba. The tsuba is 2.5 inches wide and 2.75 inches long.

I am aware of the big NO-NO of nakago but I got it already in this condition, I'm just trying to get information on it and how to care for it as its very delicate condition.

this is what the guy told me tht sold me the two swords from Japan, "The sword I sell on the list is a "real Japanese sword". Along with Katana's photo, a Japanese "sword sword registration certificate" is also posted. This is a "sword sword registration certificate" issued only for real Japanese swords. The Japanese sword with this certificate is a “real Japanese sword” approved by the Japanese government. Only one serial number is assigned to each sword."

I acquired this special beauty with the following information which was provided to me. At one point a organization devoted to restoration and such (I'll dig up the company's name) carefully opened the handle up which reveals the samurais last will and testament inside. I tried taking a picture to show this from a top down view. Unfortunately It was not provided with what was transcribed inside. The same company then put the handle back together. Everything from what i was told is original and was maintained that way over the years. Blades sharp enough to easily slice paper. Blade is in excellent condition, very few spots on blade and the hamon though having hard time getting it in a picture, is pronounced and very beautiful going down the blade. I think the tsuba may of had a small bit of gold inlayed on it but i am unsure. I personally haven't seen another sword with the last will in handle before. Looking for some opinions and or suggestions.

I got this from same guy in Japan shortly after the first one. Again, I'll post better hamon shot later on today.

I bought this from a really nice fellow named Yoshida down in Japan. I honestly can not remember how old this blade is. It came with a copy of the nbthk paperwork (shown below in pictures). This beauty took 6 months being rowed here from Japan (no I'm kidding, but seriously It was right at the beginning of the pandemic and slow boat was only option. The Hamon is prominent though my camera does it no justice, I'll try and get better shot once daylight comes around today.

I am looking to translate he signature on the blade, also on any info you might think would be helpful would be super appreciated. From what I am able to see, I was wondering if there's a little bit of gold plating on the tsuba but I'll let y'all help figure that out. I actually acquired this from a house i was rebuilding. Its in rough shape so here we go...

I will do just that, should be starting new threads now, if not later today.

I possess several Japanese swords but am looking for more information regarding them. I have 2 ww2 time swords and one rough condition smaller sword that also signed. I'll include as many pictures as possible.