Katana/nihonto collection from a newb buyer on the "cheap"

[waljamada]

Hello gentleman,

 

I have been on a quest to acquire some swords admittedly on the lower end of things. I set out wanting to get 3 to 4 swords that are all different styles, different ages and my only real stipulation being that they have a nagasa over 26 inches. Then trying to get the best possible swords between 5-$800ish I can find with a total budget of around $3,000. Definitely didnt hit any grand slams. I wanted to share what I've purchased along with prices. I figure this post will be useful for the newer collectors and lower tier sword buyers that happen across it. Can also act as a warning for any mistakes I've made. The following links are to the swords I purchased: Please feel free to leave feedback on the blades and price paid for both informational (still dont know much about most the blades) and warning purposes for me and future buyers on the lower end. Hopefully I did better than terrible.

 

$825 ww2 era blade (I think) with bohi.

It's really hard to find affordable swords with bohi no matter the age: https://ibb.co/album/noMfMF

 

$800 early type 98 gunto older blade: https://ibb.co/album/cwk71F

 

$525 type 98 gunto no idea on age of blade https://ibb.co/album/ha4Oaa

 

$625 gunto scabbard civilian mounts with horse theme and no idea on age: https://ibb.co/album/eJVwva

 

In the end, I really do like each one.

[PNSSHOGUN]

I'd be happy to pay nearly double for #2 and #3, those are great examples.

[Ken-Hawaii]

At least you knew what you wanted, & stuck to your plan. Better than most of us!

[Michaelr]

Adam, great job. You should be proud of all of them and yourself.  Thank you for sharing    
   MikeR

[Bruce Pennington]

Your hunting skills are impressive! Nice collection! I really like the 98s with bohi, as well.

[vajo]

#3 big ware 

#2 has some issues look near the boshi

 

I would go for #1 and #4 

[dwmc]

Hi Adam,

 

You did a whole lot better than terrible. You know more about Japanese swords than you give your self credit for. Newbie's generally don't stumble on to the type swords you have purchased at those prices. You can do my sword shopping any day. Did you purchase them locally in Wisconsin?

 

There's still a few deals out there if you spend the time to search. I'll share one I purchased in a package deal along with several other WW II items for a total of $700.

 

Again, great job!

 

Dave M.

 

 

 

[16k]

[waljamada]

Well so far my feedback is more positive than I expected! I've actually only encountered Japanese antique swords for sale in "real life" once and I had to search it out. Therefore, I purchased three off ebay (I know...) and one from a war relic store in Milwaukee. My Ebay experience has been good actually, had sellers issue very fair partial refunds for some condition issues not mentioned and had other sellers work with me on price for offers etc...most swords do go for more than I had decided to pay so I had to be a bit diligent and accept some imperfections. I also returned one sword for not being what was listed and sold one over craigslist for exactly what I paid. It's been a journey. Also I believe shopping after christmas helped me out a bit. People either dont want to spend money or want money coming in.

 

Heres the one I sold, the koshirae was my favorite part: https://ibb.co/album/eCFwva

 

Dave,

The naval gunto is still one on my bucket list. In my experience they always go for $1000ish and up. Lucky to get one with flaws for $875-975.

[dwmc]

Keep an eye open as your time permits Adam, I personally have never bought a sword off Ebay, but it appears you've done fine.

 

I only search estate sales, antique stores , pawn shops, attend antique auctions, etc...I don't have patience for most basic "garage sales".

 

You'll find a decent Kai Gunto eventually.

 

Good Luck,

 

Dave M.

[waljamada]

Thanks for the feedback. Would you guys say sword 3 in the type 98 gunto mounts is an edo era sword? Trying out my era eye.

[Ken-Hawaii]

Adam, please post a photo of the bare blade so that jidai (age) can be determined from the sugata.

[waljamada]

Hi Ken,

 

Here is a link: https://ibb.co/wKNGv92

[waljamada]

Here is another photo.

 

https://ibb.co/6Nr6R1q

[waljamada]

Theres also this one, I think this one seems a newer blade?

 

https://ibb.co/XjY6mxC

[Death-Ace]

Adam,

 

For the price, really nice finds and good deals! Although not "national treasures," for any military collector or budding nihonto enthusiast, this is a good start!

 

As for your last post. To me it looks maybe late koto, early Shinto? The hamon to me points to Mino.

[waljamada]

Death Ace,

 

Thank you I appreciate the feedback and I agree with your estimation on the swords. A treasure may be down the line but until that day I'm happy with my handful of swords and bought within my means as best I could.

 

Also wow, if it's a late koto blade color me happy.

[waljamada]

Can anyone tell me what age this blade is? It has areas of hike, looks like someone used a scrub pad or something on it at some point and I'm wondering if it's worth a polish someday. I'd probably only be polishing it if it does have some age and I feel like I'm the adoptive parent of blades I've purchased. I would leave it be if modern.

 

https://ibb.co/album/eJVwva

[waljamada]

I am guessing its maybe 1650-1700s....or modern.