Your Thoughts on This Mumei Katana?

[Robert from Zama]

Any ideas how old? 

[16k]

If I had to offer a guess, I’d say Shinshinto. A lot of work to do on that one.

[Robert from Zama]

JP, you are very kind. Thank you for your reply. I promise not to do anything but oil the blade with choji oil and chalk the tang to make sure it is mumei.  Is your guess of shinshinto based on blade shape?

 

[DTM72]

1 hour ago, Robert from Zama said:

JP, you are very kind. Thank you for your reply. I promise not to do anything but oil the blade with choji oil and chalk the tang to make sure it is mumei.  Is your guess of shinshinto based on blade shape?

 

Blade shape, nakago shape and color. Generally, the darker the black color is on the nakago (tang) the older it is. The color on yours is a very light black.

[Robert from Zama]

DTM72 Dan C, Thank you so much. So you are thinking Shinshinto also?  1876-1945?  Made by hand?

[16k]

Robert,

 

I would say between 1780 and 1876, and yes, based on shape and color. However, this is a guess more than a certainty. The blade doesn’t shoe much in this state of polish and I could be wrong. And yes, looks traditional to me.

[Robert from Zama]

Thank you again JP!

 

[Dave R]

 The two small holes in the tsuba are often associated with swords from the Satsuma Han Samurai, but note not a "satsuma sword" in the usual sense. A paper string went through them to tie the sword into the saya. The idea was that Samurai from that Han were so short tempered that a little "check" was a good idea, but not enough of a check to prevent drawing when genuinely needed. Others reckon it's just for a sword knot in the usual sense.... 

[Robert from Zama]

Dave R, 

Thank you so much! 

Any thoughts on the age of the sword?