Need help with assessment of recent purchase..

[ZENGIN]

So, even know I fully understand that I do not possess enough knowledge in this area to be making large purchases, I made one on a whim.

So the things I know about the sword: It was made in october 1944, it is signed "Choshu-ju Kiyokuni" and is an RJT sword with a star stamp on the tang. The things I need to know about the sword: In its current condition did I make a bad purchase? Are the fittings correct for this blade? I would be thankful to anyone who can hopefully shed some light on this and i have attatched some pictures for reference.

 

James M Martin

 

http://oi48.tinypic.com/w0ti6b.jpg

 

http://oi49.tinypic.com/2qdszus.jpg

 

http://oi50.tinypic.com/nwa591.jpg

 

http://oi49.tinypic.com/8z2war.jpg

 

http://oi49.tinypic.com/bk65u.jpg

 

http://oi50.tinypic.com/jtly1e.jpg

 

http://oi49.tinypic.com/33wukx0.jpg

[cabowen]

It is not in the best of condition but I have seen much worse. It is a traditionally made blade that would benefit greatly from a polish. Without knowing what you paid it is impossible to say whether or not it was a wise purchase. I think it is on par with many other RJT blades I have seen- solidly forged, attractive hamon, well finished.

[ZENGIN]

Ohh wow, i completely forgot to mention that.. i paid 500.00USD.

 

James M Martin

[cabowen]

You did well....

[ZENGIN]

Thanks for the help! If i did well then its luck, ive bent burnt plenty of times buying gunto blades in the past. :lol: Any idea what the price range of somthing like this is worth? Is it worth paying to get polished? Of all the swords I have this is my first traditional Japanese sword, and im very happy about that no matter the value, but if its worth getting polished then i will have to look into that.

 

James M Martin

[cabowen]

Not with the current exchange rate....

[ZENGIN]

So that tsuba is original?

[cabowen]

Looks like a field made piece or something someone else cobbled together.