Help identifying a sword

[Andy Spohn]

Hello,

 

I posted this sword into the WW2 section but was informed it could be older than that time frame. I was hoping to find out more about the sword. Below is a link to all the photos I currently have of the sword.

 

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0uP4lBdtNdXexcdA6dxRuOoYw
 

Thanks in advance!

[Stephen]

Pretty cool old tachi first blush looks like a copy but closer look its the real deal. Others will elaborate and tell you the mei.

[Lareon]

first time i saw it i thought the tsuba was cast, on second look it was decoration

 

[Andy Spohn]

Hello, I was able to get some photos of the hamon that I thought may help with my desire to learn more about this swords origins.

 

https://share.icloud.com/photos/07eLuXil1htFM6NioDeJGGodg

[Shugyosha]

I think the mei reads “Fujishima” 藤島. The place of work in Kaga province of a group of smiths. 

[Andy Spohn]

Here are some additional photos of the mei. 
 

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0a8O_p57HqC6Y6Ge9UTHY8mcw

[Mark]

if you are in Tecumseh i live near Toledo. If you want someone to look at it let me know.  nixe@bright.net

[DTM72]

I HIGHLY recommend Mark to look at your sword. He is very knowledgeable and has been around forever <-- Not intended to be an old guy joke!

[Andy Spohn]

1 hour ago, Mark said:

if you are in Tecumseh i live near Toledo. If you want someone to look at it let me know.  nixe@bright.net

I sent you an e-mail, thanks!

[Lareon]

keep us updated on what you discover

[Andy Spohn]

13 minutes ago, Lareon said:

keep us updated on what you discover

sure thing

[Surfson]

Looks like a genuine Japanese sword, likely to be at least 400 years old and appears to be in good shape based on the limited photos.  The mounts are interesting, but not likely to contain most of the value of the piece.  Curbside appraisal would put the piece at $2000-3000 or so, though these days one never knows what will happen at an auction, good or bad.  Mark will give you a fair appraisal on it.  

 

[Andy Spohn]

Thanks!

[Mark]

I have looked at Andy's sword and hopefully helped him out some...... My impression is:  Blade appears Muromachi, it is signed katana mei not tachi mei but we could see that from the pictures. The blade looks to be medium quality, i don't see any visible fatal flaws, there are some small carbon inclusions and/or small pits or ware', some nicks (polish should take out), some coarse hada (maybe core steel), habaki was tight and i didn't want to damage it so left it as is so didn't see the machi.  I think it was originally signed Fujishima_______  and the smiths name has been lost.  All in all the blade is an honest Koto sword, not a treasure but not junk, just mediocre. The tsuka and saya were redone probably Meiji for export (sale to foreigners), you can see the 2 hangers were not original, they were added to the saya. The tsuba is ok, nothing special my guess is Meiji, same for fuchi kashira and menuki.  The hangers have dragons (one is missing on one side) and Tigers (the tigers seem to be maybe tobacco pouch ornaments, the dragons look like they were made as part of the hanger but they must of been added as you can see the spot where the missing one was attached).  Probably the sword had samurai mounts and then they were tarted up  in Meiji.  I gave some suggestions about how to care for the sword and preserve the koshirae as it will deteriorate if left as is or mishandled.  He will probably post his thoughts.

[Andy Spohn]

I would like to thank Mark for taking the time to meet with me, teach me more about the sword, and provide me more knowledge about what I have in my possession. I would agree with what Mark stated about this sword and have taken necessary steps to try an preserve it the best I can at this time.