Seki Blade in Civillian Koshirae

[vajo]

I jumped in a local flea market auction, not really knowing what i bought. 

 

I recieved the sword today and I'm sure it is a seki blade 90% showa-to. The light is bad outside (night) but i think its a wartime blade.

 

The koshirae is interesting and the blade looks like a textbook Seki showato with the typical seki (saw) hamon. 

 

I took some pictures and want to share it with you.

 

Seki (関) katana in civillian mounts

Nagasa: 69,2 cm

Signature: Mumei

Hada: Flowing masame

Hamon:  Togari-Gunome (with mix of Sanbon-sugi)

Period: Wartime (Showa)

 

[16k]

I think it is older, Chris.

 

I agree with Mino Seki, but that Hada looks too prominent for a Showato. And the sugata doesn’t scream Showato to me, but you’re the specialist.

[EdWolf]

Hello Chris,

 

Nice find. Is the tsuba painted or is the red color a result of using the flash?

[vajo]

Its an iron plate urushi lacquered red/ brown (black). The signature ist not readable something with Masa..

[16k]

Masa... mune? Chris, you’ve done it! You’ve finally found the Honcho Masamune!!!!!

[SAS]

I do not think showato; rather traditionally made older blade, Taisho or shinshinto. Surprised it is mumei.

[vajo]

  On 12/17/2019 at 9:07 PM, 16k said:

Masa... mune? Chris, you’ve done it! You’ve finally found the Honcho Masamune!!!!!

  haha the Tsuba JP.

 

Btw i cut myself making the fu.. pictures 

 

 

Bloodthirsty biting blade, more like a muramasa  

[Austus]

Forgive me for saying; but ther's nothing military about it.  Nice sword!

[vajo]

Thanks Austus.

 

Here is another. I think i see no nie/nioi and chikei around the hamon.

 

 

I can't read the Tsuba signature. Its chiseled around with whatever..

 

[16k]

  On 12/17/2019 at 9:11 PM, vajo said:

  haha the Tsuba JP.

 

Btw i cut myself making the fu.. pictures 

 

seki_cut.jpg

 

Bloodthirsty biting blade more like a muramasa  

Haha! Yup! Muramasa or maybe the illegitimate son of Muramasa and Masamune, Muramasamune!

 

More seriously, hard to see the Hamon in that state of polish. However, I think Steve is right. Looks like it could be a very nice blade.

[vajo]

Never say out of polish blades are not sharp. 

[Smee78]

Interesting blade, I like it. What decoration is that under the wrap?

[vajo]

On one site a guy (samurai) with a bag and on the other site a i think a older merchant (laughing) with his young wife.

I think they outwit the buyer 

 

I really don't know.

[vajo]

Here is a better picture.

 

 

[Bruce Pennington]

Great find, Chris! Looks pretty old to me by the sight of that nakago.

[David Flynn]

Not a Mino Seki Nakago.

[raynor]

Interesting nakago if Showa. For comparison a late shinshinto blade.

[PNSSHOGUN]

There is clear hada and some good patina on the nakago. Shinshinto with a showa era polish and Iai mounts.

[David Flynn]

Just as by the by Chris, why did you think it was Seki?  Was it based on it having some Togari gunome?

 I'm leaning towards Shinto Takada.

[vajo]

Good Morning David.

 

You are right it looks more like a togari gunome hamon (i will change it in the description).

 

My first feel as i saw the hamon was Seki. The second feeling was Showa as i looked on the nakago. So i came to the conclusion for me that it is a seki showa-to. But and thats why i show it here is to hear other opinions. I'm not that expert and I'm open for all advises. 

 

Shinto Takada is worth a look - thanks a lot for this path. 

[PNSSHOGUN]

For some enthusiasts Shinto Takada may as well be Seki Showa-To

[vajo]

Under sunlight today i dont see anything new. There are some nie but i see not nioi under this millions of fingersprints and scratches.

 

The hamon looks fantastic and the hada is prominent. But i cant judge if it is oil or water hardnend.

 

 

John could we compare it with other seki blades?

[16k]

Chris,

 

Here is a picture of a seki hamon I own (photo courtesy of Ed Marshall) that is in about the same condition as yours. I really believe yours isn't Showa Seki, though I'm dubious about Bungo Takada too!

 

[vajo]

Thanks JP.

[vajo]

Another try in another light 

 

[SAS]

Somebody has been touching the blade and leaving prints....

[vajo]

Yes Steve, not one or two, millions of fingerprints are on the blade. Idiots all around us. My camera has a favor to make them sharp, not the blade 

 

What i want to know is about the hamon. Is this typical seki?

[16k]

I’m not good enough to tell you if it’s typical Seki (well, it is, but I’m sure others used it too), but with this new picture, I can see activity. Clearly not oil tempered.

[vajo]

I jumped around from one site to another. It is terrible not to know what to have. I will show that picture under the Nihonto thread to hear meanings outside the military forum.

[16k]

Pretty sure the reply is gonna be late Shinto/early shinshinto