First Attempt at Kantei

[bmlusk1911]

I realize I'm about to get skewered (possibly on my own sword) by my more knowledgeable colleagues, but I'm finally taking a swing at this. Us newbies gotta take our lumps sometime.

 

I purchased this Shin-Gunto at the 2012 show in Tampa, and have been pouring over my copy of Connoisseur's Book of Japanese Swords.

 

Below are the vital stats on the blade. I realize the nakago is quite rough, but I think it shows this sword has been shortened greatly.

 

Length: 68.6 cm, Shinogi-zukuri

Blade Width: 2.85 cm at the Machi, 2.22 cm at the Yokote

Sori: 1.75 cm, Tori-sori (originally, this may have leaned more towards the sai-sori)

Mune: Ihori

Kitae: Itame, Mokume

Hamon: Notare

Boshi: Omaru

Kissaki: Chu-kissaki

Nakago length: 25.4 cm

Nakago shape: Possibly Originally Futsu

Yasuri-me: Sujikai

 

[bmlusk1911]

 

My initial thought is Mino Tradition, possibly late-Muromachi to early Shinto period.

[raaay]

Hi Brock

 

 

1. is there any ha - machi and mune machi - not clear in the photos provided

 

2. looking at the tang is that a blue/ heat treated area next to the new peg hole

I hope not, only you can see in hand , is there any signs of heat treatment there ?

it may be just the lighting in the photo provided , but obviously the tang has been

altered maybe to fit the Gunto Tsuka ?

 

and for what it is worth, to me more like a Shin Shinto blade, but what do I know.

 

Ray

[Alex A]

Looks like the nakago as quite a lot took off it. I stand to be corrected, but im thinking a much shortened shinshinto tachi maybe?.

 

Alex.

[bmlusk1911]

It's entirely possible I'm way off. This is my first attempt at match in my observations to the myriad descriptions in Nagayama's book.

 

I'll try to get photos of the nakago tonight, it was once a massive blade, much longer than it is now. It's obvious it was shortened pretty extensively to fit into the Gunto koshirae.

[bmlusk1911]

Apologies for taking so long, it's been a long month already with my Grandmother having a stroke and passing, moving from Florida to South Carolina, and transitioning from Active military service to Reserve / professional student.

 

But, is there appears to be a consensus on Shinshinto.

 

Attached are a couple of additional photographs of the nakago, with some observations I made annotated on the last photo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

v/r

 

Brock

[cabowen]

From what I can see in the photos, it looks to be a pretty nicely made blade. It is unfortunate that the nakago has been so badly abused. It wouldn't be a bad idea to have the nakago professionally restored.

[bmlusk1911]

Chris,

 

I'm planning on having the blade restored professionally, put it in a Shirasaya, and keep the fittings together with a tsunagi. Saving for that project now.

 

I thought it had a good feel to it when I bought it.

 

Do you believe it is a Shinshinto era blade as well?

 

v/r

 

Brock

[cabowen]

The nakago patina would seem to indicate a latter blade but the problem is the nakago has been messed with so it is difficult to rely on that....