Alan F Posted June 15, 2013 Report Posted June 15, 2013 Bought this sword a while ago. Not going to say what it is supposed to be. Is it the real deal? What do you think it is? Not sure I trust the flimsy pieces of paper that came with it. Apologies to the guy I bought this sword from, if he recognizes this sword. Peter F Quote
Tcat Posted June 15, 2013 Report Posted June 15, 2013 Your sword is............ Genuine. Please post pics of the nakago and papers so we have a better idea of who it was made by. Bizen blade? Quote
Lance Posted June 15, 2013 Report Posted June 15, 2013 Looks like a real Japanese sword in excellent condition, newly polished /restored. Is the paper you mentioned an Appraisal by NBTHK or NTHK? Regards, Lance Quote
Brian Posted June 15, 2013 Report Posted June 15, 2013 Peter, What made you think it isn't genuine? From what we can see..it looks real and quite nice. But of course, it could always be a high end Chinese production piece such as Chen or otherwise that has been polished. We need to see the entire sword and tang and papers. It isn't a low class typical fake if that is what you are asking. Brian Quote
Bugyotsuji Posted June 15, 2013 Report Posted June 15, 2013 It's a genuine sword, but your question seems to be deeper than that. What exactly are you asking? "Is this sword really by such-and-such a famous Japanese swordsmith as written on the paperwork?" Is this your real question? Are you hoping we will produce a smith name that will coincide with what you were told? Quote
mywei Posted June 15, 2013 Report Posted June 15, 2013 Looks pretty good, and in good polish too! Not sure why you bought it if you're werent sure it was genuine, or were sceptical of the 'flimsy bit of paper' that came with it? More pictures of the nakago and paper would be nice. Quote
Dick Tait Posted June 15, 2013 Report Posted June 15, 2013 Hi Peter, You said in your introductory post that the sword you bought was rated "Juyo Token". You can check the meaning and see examples of good (and fake) papers here and get further info on nihonto ratings here. Regards, RichT Quote
cabowen Posted June 15, 2013 Report Posted June 15, 2013 Definitely not a Chinese fake. A much better than average sword.... Quote
NihontoEurope Posted June 15, 2013 Report Posted June 15, 2013 I would not be surprised if there were a Mizuta nakago embedded in the tsuka. /Martin Quote
Alan F Posted June 15, 2013 Author Report Posted June 15, 2013 Bugyotsuji said: It's a genuine sword, but your question seems to be deeper than that. What exactly are you asking? "Is this sword really by such-and-such a famous Japanese swordsmith as written on the paperwork?" Is this your real question? Are you hoping we will produce a smith name that will coincide with what you were told? Yes Piers, I think you hit the nail on the head. Perhaps I thought that if someone recognised that it was made by "such-and-such" (without me giving away too many clues), then that would be reassuring. I also thought it would be reassuring to hear that some of the experts thought it was a quality piece. So far, all of your responses have been very reassuring. I also apologize because, secretly, I realize that I may be trying to show off a bit too. All sorts of crazy insecure thoughts can occur in the middle of the night. Like: What if it's not genuine? Did I get my moneys worth (is it a quality piece)? I have no reason not to trust the experience and the judgment of the vendor, but I have little experience judging swords and I do not know of anyone locally (with experience) to whom I can show it. The guy I bought it from will think I'm certifiable. Recently one of my friends discovered that an expensive painting which he bought from a reputable Canadian gallery was a fake. It wasn't discovered until he showed a picture of it to another experienced dealer. Fortunately, he got his money back. I have no reason to think that this sword is a fake. To my inexperienced eye, it looks like a beautifully made sword (albeit with a few small flaws) that is likely as old as the attribution suggests. The nakago is shortened and there is no signature. The papers appear to be genuine. When I said "flimsy", that was just a figure of speech. Thanks again for all your replies. The NBTHK papers say that it is a Yoshioka Ichimonji. Peter F Quote
cabowen Posted June 15, 2013 Report Posted June 15, 2013 Buying beyond your experience and knowledge is, as you can attest, a recipe for insecurity and doubt. Nothing wrong with buying the best you can afford, but sometimes without the background knowledge, we end up in over our heads, unable to really appreciate what we have. Buying the best you can afford should have as a corollary: and love what you buy. For example, I remember being fresh out of college, a few weeks into my first real job (engineer at Boeing). When I got my first paycheck, I wanted to celebrate (and, ok, impress a girl) so I bought a $300 bottle of champagne. Was never so disappointed! What's all the noise about Dom? Well, clearly it takes an educated palette to appreciate...the girl wasn't impressed either....now I stick to Belgian beer or good nihon-shu when I can get it.... Please post the NBTHK paper.... Quote
Brian Posted June 15, 2013 Report Posted June 15, 2013 There are new pictures above now? Yes....it is a lovely and genuine sword in excellent polish. And Yoshioka Ichimonji....you have every right to brag. Stunning. Brian Quote
runagmc Posted June 15, 2013 Report Posted June 15, 2013 Beautiful sword, very good polish, and from what I can see, it looks pretty healthy for an Ichimonji tachi. You should be happy to have it... I wish we could all be so lucky to own such a sword . One thing to keep in mind... please read all you can about caring for Nihonto, or even better, spend some time learning from experienced collectors if you can. A polish like that can be quickly ruined if not properly cared for... Quote
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