Cane/sword looking for some info before I have it restored.

[Bullvyde603]

My name's Wally and I am new to the forum. I just wanted a little advice and info on this cane with a hidden blade. I have had this for years and am deciding to have it restored. But before I do I wouldn't mind opinions and info on maker. Quality of the blade seems very good it is triangluer the blade is about 22" long maybe shorter I haven't pulled the pin in handle yet to check. There are maker marks I came up with Sanjo kokaji munechicka ? Can anyone confirm that ? The cane is 34 1/2" tall. The wood definitely needs repair just some glueing and refinishing. Blade just needs some minor clean up Thanks in advance if anyone knows anything. Thank you. 

[ROKUJURO]

Hi Wally,

 

welcome on board the NMB!

 

What you have there is a SHIKOMIZUE in bad condition, and the signature is that of a very famous, very early swordsmith (born 987 in HEIAN era). As SHIKOMIZUE came up in MEIJI era (about 900 years later...), it is very unlikely that the signature is authentic. In addition to that, swords were signed on the tang, not on the blade. So I believe it is probably a tourist item made not earlier than the end of 19th century. 

 

Just another hint: A Japanese blade should NEVER be in contact with a hard ground or bare fingers!

 

The relevant pictures are upside-down, so a bit difficult to read.

 

Considering the market and artistic value of your weapon, I have my doubts that a professional restoration (done in Japan) makes sense. 

[WulinRuilong]

6 hours ago, ROKUJURO said:

What you have there is a SHIKOMIZUE in bad condition, and the signature is that of a very famous, very early swordsmith (born 987 in HEIAN era). As SHIKOMIZUE came up in MEIJI era (about 900 years later...), it is very unlikely that the signature is authentic. In addition to that, swords were signed on the tang, not on the blade. So I believe it is probably a tourist item made not earlier than the end of 19th century. 

 

I beg to disagree with this statement.

The signature is Sanjyou Munechika(三条宗近). The 1st gen Sanjyou Munechika is a very famous swordsmith in Heian era. However, this name was used by countless swordsmith of Sanjyou school from Heian era to Meiji era.  Also, later gen Sanjyou Munechika did curve signature on the blade.

 

[Brian]

This would almost certainly be a "dedication" or good luck signature. I highly doubt this was made by any of the Munechika smiths. There were popular Meiji period export or tourist items.

[PNSSHOGUN]

To add more, these were often quite low quality pieces.

[Bullvyde603]

Thanks for the info everyone. My only question is if these where sold as tourist items why haven't I come across anything even close to it ? I have had this for about 30 years and have research it through the years and have found absolutely nothing similar. You figure if these where for tourists you could find them easily. ? Again I do appreciate the information. 

[Tensho]

What do you consider "similar "? I have seen plenty of Shikomizue for sale over the years. 

[ROKUJURO]

4 hours ago, Bullvyde603 said:

...... My only question is if these were sold as tourist items why haven't I come across anything even close to it ? I have had this for about 30 years and have researched it through the years and have found absolutely nothing similar. You figure if these were for tourists you could find them easily? ..... 

Walter,

 

many were made for early Japan tourists at the end of the 19th century. It is possible that most of them were lost in the meantime. Nowadays, concealed weapons are prohibited in many states. In Germany, you are not allowed to import these items, so you cannot collect them. On YAHOO auctions, you can still find some from time to time.

[Baba Yaga]

Have we established the majority of people don't ask before they leap? It's, "I found a treasure" and don't want to ask for fear of some else buying.  

Seems to happen weekly! 

[Okan]

36 minutes ago, Baba Yaga said:

Have we established the majority of people don't ask before they leap? It's, "I found a treasure" and don't want to ask for fear of some else buying.  

Seems to happen weekly! 

So true. 

[Bullvyde603]

5 hours ago, Tensho said:

What do you consider "similar "? I have seen plenty of Shikomizue for sale over the years. 

Similar as in same cane same or similar blade with writing. Of course I have seen canes with hidden blades but none like this one. And I buy and sell antiques on the regular. Just weird I haven't seen any. But that's just me I'm sure someone has seen one or two that is why I asked. Thanks 

[DoTanuki yokai]

https://nihontou.jp/choice03/toukenkobugu/wakizashi/672/00.html

[Baba Yaga]

44 minutes ago, Bullvyde603 said:

Similar as in same cane same or similar blade with writing. Of course I have seen canes with hidden blades but none like this one. And I buy and sell antiques on the regular. Just weird I haven't seen any. But that's just me I'm sure someone has seen one or two that is why I asked. Thanks 

 

You should of bought the umbrella model. It's has that cool James Bond look.  

[dschumann]

8 hours ago, Bullvyde603 said:

Thanks for the info everyone. My only question is if these where sold as tourist items why haven't I come across anything even close to it ? I have had this for about 30 years and have research it through the years and have found absolutely nothing similar. You figure if these where for tourists you could find them easily. ? Again I do appreciate the information. 

 

There's literally a Japanese film series focused around a blind swordsman who uses one. 

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zatoichi

 

My uncle had one somewhere in all his post WWII "stuff".

 

I am a rank amateur about Nihonto, but Zatoichi is one of the reasons I am attracted to Japanese blades.

[Bugyotsuji]

Quote: “Blade just needs some minor cleanup” …says who? This does seem wildly optimistic. Are you prepared to spend serious money on a professional polish?

[ChrisW]

As a reference, a good polish by a properly trained togishi runs about $125/inch. Not trying to deter you, but if you're doing this for financial gain then it won't be there. If its sentimental, then that's up to the polisher if they'll take the work.

[Baba Yaga]

13 hours ago, ChrisW said:

As a reference, a good polish by a properly trained togishi runs about $125/inch. Not trying to deter you, but if you're doing this for financial gain then it won't be there. If its sentimental, then that's up to the polisher if they'll take the work.

The thought process of an uneducated treasure hunter doesn't work like that. A "professional Togishi" won't take the job, but a hack polisher will. Thus, the revolving mistake and BIG story on ebay will evolve. Can't change the mind of the unwilling. For every 1 who seeks an answer for a mistake, there is 12 who won't.