Hello,
This is my first post although i have been a member for a bit. I am looking to get more familiar with the domain. I am looking to get an appraisal for my Katana or directions on where i can get the blade appraised. I have do have the related HTHK certificate as well in the google share below. I have tried to translate as much as I could from the certificate and this is what i have but i will note the accuracy is not perfect:
Certificate Details:
日本刀剣保存会 (Nihonto Kenkyukai): The Nihonto Society for the Preservation of Japanese Swords
丹後守兼道 (Tango no Kami Kanemichi): Name of the swordsmith
平成九年十月十六日 (Heisei Kyunen Jūrokunichi): October 16th, 1997 (Date of appraisal)
長さ裏道寸六分有之 (Nagasa ura michi sun roku bun ari): Likely indicates the length of the sword blade in Japanese units.
長さ (nagasa): length
裏道 (ura michi): literally "back road" or "back path," but in this context, it refers to a specific measurement method for the length of a sword blade.
寸 (sun): a traditional Japanese unit of length, approximately equal to 3.03 cm.
六分 (roku bun): six parts of a sun.
有之 (ari): exists, there is
Katana Details:
第一四二三七号 (Daiichi Yonisen Nihyaku Sanju Nana Go): Number 14237 (Serial number)
This is a unique identifier assigned to this specific sword by the appraisal organization. It's like a social security number for the sword, allowing it to be tracked and referenced in their records.
銘文 (Meibun): Inscription or Signature (on the sword blade)
This refers to any markings or inscriptions found on the sword blade. These could be the swordsmith's signature, a date, or other decorative elements. However, in this case, the certificate also mentions "磨上げ無銘" (Migakiage Mumei), indicating that the blade has been polished and any original inscription is no longer visible.
刃紋 (Hamon): Temper lines on the sword blade
Hamon are the distinctive patterns created on the blade's edge during the heat-treating process. They are often considered one of the most beautiful and defining features of Japanese swords. The specific patterns can vary widely and are used to identify the sword's school or smith. In this case, the certificate describes the hamon as "五の目丁子乱小" (Itsutsume Chojiri Midare Ko), which is a specific type of hamon pattern.
小丸 (Komaru): Slightly rounded sword tip
This describes the shape of the sword's tip. "Komaru" means that the tip is slightly rounded, which is a common shape for many Japanese swords.
磨上げ無銘 (Migakiage Mumei): Unpolished blade, no visible inscription
As mentioned earlier, this indicates that the blade has been polished, and any original inscription has been removed or is no longer visible. This is a common practice when restoring or preserving swords.
表裏 二筋麵 (Omote Ura Nifuki): Two lines or grooves on both sides of the blade
This describes the presence of two lines or grooves on both the front and back sides of the blade. These lines can serve various purposes, such as strengthening the blade or providing a decorative element.
五の目丁子乱小 (Itsutsume Chojiri Midare Ko): Pattern of the Hamon (temper lines)
This is a more detailed description of the hamon pattern. "五の目丁子乱小" refers to a specific type of hamon characterized by small, irregular patterns resembling a cluster of five eyes.
目釘穴個 (Mekugi Ana Ko): Number of holes for the mekugi (peg)
Mekugi are small pegs used to secure the handle to the blade. This section of the certificate indicates the number of holes for these pegs.
壱個遅め (Ikko Okureme): Mekugi ana (peg hole) slightly off-center
This indicates that one of the mekugi holes is slightly off-center from its expected position.
摂津国 (Settsu no Kuni): Settsu Province (historical province)
This indicates the geographical origin of the sword or the swordsmith. Settsu was a historical province in Japan, now part of Osaka Prefecture.
Google share: https://drive.google...tQwyr2fK?usp=sharing
I am looking for general feedback on appraisal ranges and where to go from here if this is something i would move forward with selling. I am unsure if that is something to go ahead with but i wanted to "test the waters".
Much appreciated for any direction,
Regards
Costin