I have an 18" wakizashi. It is signed (no) Yoshimichi. The blade has classic "natural" sudareba and Osaka yakidashi. I think the mei is genuine (blade work looks right on). I am sure it is Osaka branch. I am not sure what generation, i am thinking 2nd or 3rd....... any comments (good or bad) and suggestions welcome.
thanks!
Bichu (no) Kami Tachibana Yasuhiro try searching info, the writting says the maker is Yasuhiro from the Tachibana clan with the title lord of Bichu Province... see what you can fine
yes, there are a variety of gunto mountings, some have a brass, or even gold wash, finish, some have a copper finish. I think there were a number of workshops making gunto mounts and the quality and finish varied
it would be good to have someone look at the blade. where are you located? the picture of the fittings gives the impression it may be "put together", there is the posibility the blade may have that name on the tang but not be made by that person. It could even be a WWII era blade made with an old name written on the tang. hard to say based on what we can see
i was the seller. i was suprised at the amount. It might have gone higher but one bidder had zero feedback, i tried to contact him to verify he was serious but did not get a reply so i banned him bidding, the high bidder and underbidder were both "real". I wish i had another. I have had ones sell for $60-70.. guess you never know with eBay
i do not know of any real NCO swords with a brass handle. the Japanese made the copper handle then the aluminum painted handle. any bress ones i have seen i have taken as Chinese fakes
i was talking about the auction in Sprinfield ohio, George Welch collection. Only one sword had a paper, i think it was mumei and attributed to Kai Mihara.
I knew George as i live here in Ohio. I went to the sale. Most swords went for more than they were worth (in my opinion), there was an internet buyer who bought a lot.I do not think there was any treasure there, i looked at all the swords carefully. I was suprised the bird head tachi only went for $3250 as it was at least a decent sword.
i think supply/demand has an effect. Many blades have been shortened over time due to a number of factors (use, fashion, regulations etc) so the number of blades that are still quite long are fewer. Also they have a better chance to be ubu, or closer to the original shape.