Wakizashi by Masasada - opinions appreciated

[CurtisR]

Greetings all,

The mei on the nagako has been translated "Bishu mihara ju Masasada" (late Koto period). The Habaki is gold foil, and the menuki is, I believe , the Kitsune (trickster fox). It is owned by a friend who is considering papering at kantai and/or selling it. Oh, and it has a beautifully made Kozuka with what is possibly a prayer inscribed. The Saya is cracked and may be a re-make, although the samegawa is beautiful and probably original.

 

The fittings are signed on the Fuchi "Tadamichi (kao)" and the Tsuba is subtle yet beautiful and of yamagane (sp?) if I am correct.

 

The Bohi on the blade is in (per my book, anyway) "Futasuji-bi" form. Overall length is approx. 63cm. Any input as to condition, value,, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

 

Cheers!

 

Curtis R.

 

PS: I apologize for the photos....the light was poor and I had limitad time with the sword. I can certainly get more if anyone would like....

[CurtisR]

Here are several more....

[cabowen]

Futasuji-bi are generally cut together in the shinogi ji. These are rather poorly cut and I would guess cut later (ato-bori) to hide flaws in the ji....

[kunitaro]

Could you show us more photo of blade ?

[Jean]

Agreed with Chris and Kunitaro san.

 

We cannot say anything of the blade (except for what said Chris about the futasuji bi) because 90% of the pictures are about the mounting.

 

As usual, naked blade picture must be provided (omote/ura), Kissaki, close up of the Nakago at the level of the machi, close up of the Hada and the hamon.

[CurtisR]

Thank you Jean & Kunitaro san - I'll be happy to post photos of the requested portions...I will probably ask him to bring it to my home where I can control the environment and use my Nikon D7000 vs. a point & shoot . Look for more pics under this topic soon!

Apologies - hopefully Saturday :D .

[Jean]

Curtis,

 

No doubt they will be fine as I have the same camera :D

[kunitaro]

for me,

no problem with a few easy snap shot of the blade.

i already know that is a very good sword.

1) good original habaki. and fit with the blade which is meaning the blade is healthy.

(it doesn't matter small kizu, it is Mihara blade anyway.)

2) Good original koshirae, which is meaning the blade was treated well respected at Bakumatsu period.(gold foiled seppa)

They understood the sword much more than us...

(possible the owner in Bakumatsu was not Samurai though)

3) Nakago is well mainteined, not only Ubu one hole, but patina and Yasurime is well preserved. ( which is meaning is also the sword is very well treated )

from those reason, i am excited to see !

i think your photo is good enough !

[CurtisR]

Thank you Kunitaro san! The owner will be very pleased (as am I since when I held it - as a novice to collecting - it felt like a very good sword and almost still in decent polish, still. I could also tell that the owner had taken good care of it,, as has it's new owner.

 

Jean, I love that camera! I'll still get some additional shots this weekend and post them for you all. It is best that I learn what is needed here for a good kantei .

 

One more question - may I post a photo of the Kozuka with this post? It is heavily inscribed and beatidully made, but I'll only post the Omote (I believe) side if it's not in violation. I believe it to be original to the swords as well.

 

Best,

 

Curtis R.

[Jean]

Hi Curtis,

 

Regarding the kozuka, please post it sin the tosogu section :D

[kunitaro]

the former owner meaning is the person who made the koshirae for the blade at Bakumatsu period.

Last 50 years was treated bad....

as we see, the blade is rusted, Tsuka maki is broken, missing one menuki.

[CurtisR]

Thanks Jean, will do!

 

Kunitaro san, I agree - he purchase the sword from someone who did not treat it well at all (as you say - probably for the last 50 yrs.) but I'm working with him to preserve what IS left of the koshirae. The Kitsune menuki is very pretty and it kills me that one is missing. Doing what we can though...there is little rust on the blade, at least! I will be interested to see if - after posting better photos - those here will think it worthy of papering down the road. I am learning very much,and thank you all!

 

Curtis R.