Katana I.d.

[Joe Buffardi]

I am new here and I want to learn more about these. I am keeping this and this is not a sale ad. Thank you. I would be very thankful if you could help me id this Katana.

[dominnimod]

With a o-suriage blade(shortened) we have not the tang shape nor the original blade sugata,so

for it identification we only have the blade activity wich unfortunately is well-hidden under a layer of rust.

Identification of this blade is on a dead end,unless you decide to have it polished(ask first opinion to experts,hagire could be around the corner)

Sinceresly

[Joe Buffardi]

Thank you very much! I couldnt find another tsuda to compare. What century would ths be from?

[dominnimod]

Thank you very much! I couldnt find another tsuda to compare. What century would ths be from?

No,my comments were simply on the sword blade,tsubas and fittings of the mounting(koshirae) have always being swapped and changed so they are most likely from different periods.

 

Going wild on speculations(nothing accurate) i would say the blade might be shinto(no idea), tsuba might be heianjo school but with the inlays missing, and the tsuka looks like decent late edo

[Joe Buffardi]

Thank you again for your knowledge. It is very appreciated. I will take better pics in the light. There is a hamon temper line. I will get a better shot of it. There is a hi or fuller. I am very fascinated by the workmanship of this Katana. It was made very well and it is about a pound and a half in weight.

[Stephen]

I dont know if its been shorten, or that its shinto, looks nambokucho to me

 

 

Edit to add it would be a stunner in polish, but what would come out in the wash?

[Grey Doffin]

The cord wrapping on the scabbard is not Japanese; most likely done by a westerner after the sword was surrendered in Japan at the end of the war.  If there isn't a pin through the hole in the handle and tang (nakago) of the blade be sure to whittle a new one ASAP.  Without this pin the blade can crash down inside the scabbard and shatter its point.  A chopstick will do fine.

Looks Koto to me (before the 17th century) but hard to tell for sure from the pictures.  You need to get this to someone with knowledge who isn't trying to buy it off you and who can give you a better idea what you have.

Grey

[Joe Buffardi]

I have the bamboo pin and all is well. Its safe inside my hutch. Thank you for any and all input. It is very much appreciated.

[Greg F]

Hello Joe, I would guess older than shinto and shortened but just my very limited first impressions. If you have it polished i hope we get to see the results. All the best.

 

Greg

[nagamaki - Franco]

Hello,

 

Suggest if you're thinking about having it restored that you first begin by having a 'window' put in for further evaluation, especially of the boshi. While there are hints it could be a Koto period sword, it might only be a Muromachi piece.  In which case you'll need to weigh restoration cost against final value. The fuchi looks to be perhaps Ko Mino. Interesting sword, thanks for sharing.

[Joe Buffardi]

Cleaned the blade with water and vinegar and wiped with a soft cloth. Here is the result. I wont have this polished. I am happy the way it is. If I do ever get it polished It will have to be done by someone in California of Arizona.

[BenVK]

Vinegar and water is not a good idea because it's an acid which is now acting upon the steel. Wash it off asap with a solution of water and baking soda or ammonia. When dry, oil the blade with a soft cloth and try not to touch it again with your fingers (gun or sewing machine oil is fine).

[Joe Buffardi]

Of course. Its been neutralized and mineral oil is on the blade.

[BenVK]

Good to hear.

[Jamie]

If you do consider having it polished you might consider where they are less, and how they are trained more. That might just be an interesting sword if polished. I'd suggest only using a properly Japanese trained polisher.

[Joe Buffardi]

Something tells me this may be a very early Katana.

[Joe Buffardi]

I will pass on the polishing of the blade. I really like the look of the blade. Should I unwrap the covering on the scabbard. In a previous post I was told that it was not Japanese and most likely a Westerner decorated the scabbard. I am on the fence with this.

[Brian]

No, it is well done and part of the history. If it was stopping you from getting to the nakago or something then maybe. But I would leave it on.

[Joe Buffardi]

Well my wife is very afraid of it and it has to go. Where would somebody go to get it appraised for value to sell? I love this piece of history but she thinks it may be bad mojo. Lol! Thank you for all of your golden advice

[dominnimod]

Well my wife is very afraid of it and it has to go. Where would somebody go to get it appraised for value to sell? I love this piece of history but she thinks it may be bad mojo. Lol! Thank you for all of your golden advice

In that condition you would sell it as a project piece and such would be it price.

Also,if you like it why it has to go?Your wife has to understand militaria its a hobby just like any other else! 

[Stephen]

Dom 

 

In America we have golden rule, Happy Wife Happy Life.  

[Joe Buffardi]

Yeah happy wife happy life.

[Greg F]

Same hear in Oz Stephen. I felt lucky a few days ago when after buying the Missus a microwave she sugested i buy a tsuba i had my eye on. A good day lol.

 

Greg

[Brian]

Well,  my wife loves swords, guns and Nihonto....so by all means let me know a price when you have an idea of one

I like it, but would need a lot of work. Sure others will be able to give you an idea of value.

 

- B -

[Joe Buffardi]

Well I have absolutley no clue on price.

[Joe Buffardi]

Pm me with a fair offer. Ill do some more research tonight.

[nagamaki - Franco]

Pardon, if this or any other sword is for sale I think it is only proper that it be listed in the for sale section with a price. This PM with a fair offer is a bit sketchy, imo.

[Joe Buffardi]

My deepest apologies. I will put a price and list it. I am brand new here.

[nagamaki - Franco]

Hello Joe,

 

No worries, not meant to pick on you, just pointing out forum rules.

 

Well I have absolutley no clue on price.

 

Yes, without knowing what the sword is that is a problem. In which case there are a number of ways to go about it including 1) auction, 2) list with a dealer, 3) set a price and make it subject to best offer. Another alternative is to learn more about your sword, but that will mean time, money, and comes with some additional risk. 

[Joe Buffardi]

My wife let me keep it! And she bought me another!!