snatch13

thats good to hear.but considering the value of some of these swords you can see how rumors and skepticism are started

after talking with my father i found out when my grandfather brought the sword back from Japan,the handle had the traditional wrap and mother of pearl menuki. i was also informed that my four uncles and my father would take the sword and chop down small trees with one swing.im sure this makes most of you cringe,as it does me,considering the possible value and the history and artistry put into it. i appologize to everyone,im more than a little rusty on my Japanese and sword terms. i'm pretty new to this but i appreciate everyones knowledge,patience,and help.

thanks for all of the info guys.this sword has been setting in a safe for the last 27 years.i definatley want to to do all that i can to preserve it and fix any damage that may have already been done. i will take some more pics soon. i wish i had a better camera.there is some very fine kanji engraved on the tsuba but its proving very hard to show in the pics.i would love to get the sword polished and pappered but i have heard horror stories of blades going to Japan and never making it back. does anyone have an idea of what the value of this might be?

well for some reason i cant get the pics to load,but i will keep trying

hi everyone.i'm brand new to the forum.maybe some of you guys could give me some assistance.in the event of my uncles death,i have acquired a samurai sword that was brought back from WWII by my grandfather.he pulled it out of the belly of a high ranking Japanese officer who committed ritual suicide.i realize some people might question the ethics and morality of this,but its just what happened back then with american g.i.'s.before my uncles death,he had the sword appraised and dated. it was dated between 1450-1550 a.d. and made by a bladesmith named yasu mitsu. the only paper i have to validate this is a letter giving ownership of the sword to me and signed by a notary public. i have no idea of where to begin looking for someone who could authenticate the sword and would appreciate any help than any of you could give me. i also realize this post is completely worthless without pics so i promise to post them ASAP.