Yoshikuni for review

[m4l700]

I am mainly a gunto/gendai collector, however for some time I've been looking for a kai-gunto(naval) with an older nihonto blade and I came across this one.

 

Before I make the call, is there anything that is strange about the blade itself with these pictures? I know this is difficult from pictures but could the mei possibly be gimei or? It looks to be crudely made.

 

Thanks to Jean for translation of the mei, it might be one of the Yoshikuni's? https://nihontoclub.com/view/smiths/meisearch?order=title&sort=desc&page=15&type=All&mei_op=contains&mei=

 

Thanks!

 

[SteveM]

筑州柳川鬼塚吉國

 

Chikushū Yanagawa Onizuka Yoshikuni

 

Maybe one of the Yoshikuni smiths from #275 to #279 on the page you linked to. Would need a bit more info and research to pinpoint which one. As always, it could also be a forgery. 

[Shugyosha]

Hi David,

There's what looks like a large gouge (doesn't look like a normal forging delamination) near the tip in the fourth picture down which would make me think twice.

[m4l700]

1 hour ago, Shugyosha said:

Hi David,

There's what looks like a large gouge (doesn't look like a normal forging delamination) near the tip in the fourth picture down which would make me think twice.

 

Thank you for pointing that out John! I did ask for some extra pictures of that area, to have a closer look.

[m4l700]

I've got an additional picture of this blade, seems to me like oil and ageing stains?

 

Any other opinions on this blade are much appreciated

 

 

 

[Geraint]

Dear David.

 

In terms of what you re looking for this is a good piece.  A nice Kaigunto with the fish skin saya, all the fittings in good condition and the knot, combined with a good looking civil sword.  You don't give the length but in this context I don't think it matters very much.

Of course it is possible that it is gimei but that isn't going to bother you unless you plan on having it polished and going to shinsa.  It clearly didn't bother the man who carried it.

 

Without discussing price I think this ticks all your boxes

 

Enjoy!

 

All the best.

[vajo]

Nice sword and all is saying so far.

Only one point. There is to much oil on this blade. This will damage the wooden saya. Wipe it up before you stick it  into the saya. A microfilm of oil is enough, drops are not good.

[Shugyosha]

Hi David,

Whatever is showing in the original picture doesn't appear to be there in this one so I wonder if it was a bit of the fabric used on the sword stand? Anyway, looks like you're good to go.