I have a sword and would like some info.

[ianw]

I have a sword/tanto (not sure what it is) which was handed down to me from my Grandfather. I know nothing about it other than a friend of his gave it to him. It is currently in poor condition but incredibley sharp. I am looking for info on it's origin and to see if it is worth restoring and also for tips on cleaning it up.

 

Details and pics as follows: (although I may use some names I am not 100% sure if they are coorect for the parts)

 

Length of blade from Ha_Machi? to Tip : 31.5cm

Thickness of Mune: 7mm

Length of Tang: 9cm

 

Thank you in advance, I will throw up some images of the tsuba and other fittings in the other forum.

[ianw]

Sorry for some reason the Tang did not upload.

[pcfarrar]

I think its signed Rai Kunitsugu. Can't make out the final kanji very well as the image is dark. Don't attempt to clean it in any way.

[ianw]

I will try and take a better image.

 

Is this one better.

[Mark Green]

Hi Ian,

That is a very big name from the early 1300's .

As said above, please don't try to clean it in any way. Give the pros a chance to take a look at this blade.

I don't have time just now, but will look for you later.

great get!!!! Keep it safe. Mark G

[Ted Tenold]

Ian,

 

Your tanto is inscribed "Rai Kunitsugu". Just a cursory comparison of the inscription shows it is not by the hand of the very high level smith of that name, therefore it is "gimei" (false signature). The nakago (tang) and blade shape is also not what would be expected of that smith or time period. This looks like a later period work and not as skilled as the earlier Rai smiths.

 

In the past several months this is the third gimei Rai Kunitsugu I have seen. I wonder if they were not made by later Rai decended smiths as copies.

 

A closer, "in hand", examination by a knowledgeable person would be needed to determine it's candidacy for restoration and value, but the caveat is that most of the swords like this are lower quality.

[ianw]

Thanks for all the replies, where do I go from here in terms of restoration, Valuation and authentication. I would also like to start trying to find out more history on this sword.

 

Thanks.

Ian

[Grey Doffin]

Unless the blade was made by the big name Rai Kunimitsu there will be no way to learn of its history. Even then it could be tough.

Where do you live? Maybe someone qualified to appraise it lives nearby. Bob Benson lives in Hawaii. Be wary of appraisals that come with offers to buy.

Grey

[ianw]

Thanks Grey, I live a tad away from Bob, I live in the UK Thanks for the advice.

[Jean]

You've got Ian B. and Clive S. in England (members of the board) and a lot of others that I am not forgetting

[pcfarrar]

Thanks Grey, I live a tad away from Bob, I live in the UK Thanks for the advice.

 

Whereabouts in the UK? If you live in the North West take it to Bolton militaria fair tomorrow morning and Bill Tagg will check it out for you.

[ianw]

Whereabouts in the UK? If you live in the North West take it to Bolton militaria fair tomorrow morning and Bill Tagg will check it out for you.

 

 

Sadly I live in Portsmouth so it's a bit of a trip at short notice, How often does it run? I could make it there at a later date.

[pcfarrar]

Might be best you take it to the Birmingham militaria fair. I think its June 14th, at the Motorcycle museum. The Northern Token society will be attending with a table.

[Jacques D.]

Hi,

 

Some mei by Rai Kunitsugu:

 

 

You will notice, as already stated by Ted, the blade discussed is clearly gimei.