Brother's Inherited Mumei

[eric-t]

Hello, 

 

Just posting pics of my brother's sword that he inherited at the time I got mine. I wondering what your thoughts are and if you have any information on the blade make. Not the best photos so apologies for that.

Mike Yamasaki simply said the blade can't be properly appraised unless he looks at it in-person but the mountings are more or less souvenir caliber.

 

 

[Ray Singer]

This is a torikubi (no) tachi. Here is an article on torikubi (no) tachi that Markus Sesko shared online: 
https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/applications/core/interface/file/attachment.php?id=74508

 

Please do not place the bare blade or its koshirae on the ground. This will damage the polish, lacquer, soft metal fittings, etc 

 

Best regards, 

Ray 

[eric-t]

Yeah, my brother didn't know what he was doing when he took the photos lol.

 

So would you say this is a pretty valuable sword based on the photos? Are there fake swords like this?

 

[Ray Singer]

This is an authentic example and the koshirae dates to the Meiji period. Better photos are needed to evaluate the blade, but it almost certainly predates the koshirae and is an older osuriage mumei blade. Early Edo or before. 

[eric-t]

Pretty cool info! Thanks Ray!

[eric-t]

I guess my brother found this sword based on your information that looks almost identical in terms of the koshirae.

 

A BIZEN BIRD'S HEAD TACHI
https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5679445

 

Now its just a matter of whether the blade is legit.

[Stephen]

Blade probably added to koshiare, lower hole has been recently drilled or the Burr was filed

[Geraint]

Dear Eric.

 

Your brother found a good match, BUT.....  you are right to say that the koshirae is the same, the blade in it is what gives the value so don't let him plan that trip to the Bahamas just yet.  

 

All the best.

[Bruce Pennington]

Interesting piece Eric!  There is a third with the same kabutogane (found it HERE):