Katana from Auction: Kurihara Chikuzen No Kami Nobutaka

[Death-Ace]

Hi guys!

 

I went to the local militaria store for the monthly auction today and they had seven blades brought back by a LCDR. The one I really had my eyes on (a traditionally mounted showato with a leather combat cover (possible gendaito? Blade looked like it had a fair amount of activity and a beautiful hamon)) was being eyed by an internet bidder and I had to let it go along with a 1663 dated Joshu Horikawa Ju Fujiwara KuniHiro before I lost my measly enlisted paycheck. However, I was able to snatch this one up for a song, so I can't complain!

 

It definitely looks better in person, but has a small amount of rust (mostly at the end, but appears to be inactive). There is a wild hamon (gunome/choji?) pattern down the blade and only one nick I can account for. I do not see any other flaws, none forging wise. As for the nakago and shirasaya, it appears the latter was destroyed with lack of care as were the others and almost every blade had what appears to be an extra hole drilled in the shirasaya, possibly enlarging the mekugi-ana.

 

I'll snap a few pictures when the sun comes out, but I got these off their proxibid site. Thanks in advance!

 

Lev

[Death-Ace]

A few more from the site!

 

Lev

[mywei]

If this is a legit Kurihara Nobuhide... would be a great find.

[Gabriel L]

Sorry to say, but no chance…

[cabowen]

I agree, looks bogus to me....

[Death-Ace]

Dang, that's a shame. Makes me wonder if that Kunihiro and the other two "good blades" were, too. Man, gimei is such a letdown, haha!

[kusunokimasahige]

You might know more if you have it properly polished. That is of course, if you want to spend money on it.

 

Preferably by a properly trained (Japanese) polisher and not some internet hack who taught himself.

 

There might be something nice underneath. Too much attention for any signature is not the way forward imho.

 

Let the blade tell it's hidden story.

 

KM

[Death-Ace]

Hi KM,

 

Thanks for the tip! That's what I'm wondering. It will definitely take me a while to scrounge up the money; however, I see no active rust and further issues until then. The blade looks to be of good quality. I'll post up pics tomorrow if it's cleared up outside!

 

I'm normally into 20th century weaponry (although I started with older ones) which is why I attended the auction for that one blade; however, as stated above, I couldn't resist it when it went for only $525 and the WWII-era one would have skyrocketed due to a war between two bidders.

 

Thanks again!

Lev

[hxv]

Your sword badly needs a new polish, but from what little I can see, there seems to be a nice and active hamon. I can make out patches of nie in one of the pictures. The cost of properly restoring the sword - polish, new habaki, shirasaya - will run no less than $3k, and probably will be closer to $4k. It is a lot of money, and what you will end up with is essentially a mumei (assuming the gimei will be removed). From a financial point of view, it probably does not make sense. But, it probably will look gorgeous after restoration.

 

Regards,

Hoanh

[Brian]

Nobuhide, not Nobutaka, as mentioned. Gimei doesn't mean the sword is bad.

Looks like a great deal on a traditional sword. Confidently done signature though. Even if gimei I think you could multiply your investment several times. You did good.

 

Brian

[Death-Ace]

Hi guys! Again, thanks for the advice! Makes me think I should have picked up the Shinto blade as well ($600 with a nice sughua, but more nicks and chips). Here are a few pics. Still cloudy in Chesapeake and a better background could have been found!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Death-Ace]

 

 

 

 

 

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[Death-Ace]