Recent eBay find, How did I do?

[AlphaRaider]

I found this Wakizashi on eBay and thought the price was fair, it was papered and appears to be in good overall condition. Do you think I did well?

I'm quite excited to see it and own a sword in good condition like it is. I think a lot of people will like this when its displayed. 

 

Is there a recommended way to store or present the paperwork?

 

Would there be anything that anyone would recommend in general.

 

I already had a custom sized zip up soft case from American Mountain Supply made for me, since they are down the street from us. I also picked up a pelican case that will hold it and the padded case. I have the sword cleaning kits, transport bags etc. World there be other things anyone would recommend to keep it nice yet allow me to travel with it.

 

"This is a Japanese sword wakizashi in mountings.  The blade is signed "Kunisada", shinogi zukuri shape, Edo period ca. 1660 era made blade.  The blade is in old full polish, no rust, no stain and in mint condition. The temper line is attractive gunome-midare temper pattern and has deep temper at the point. The forging grain is tight itame-hada, no opening, no blister and no forging flaws. There is no bend, no nick, no crack and cutting edge is sharp.  The scabbard is lacquered wood scabbard, no crack, no dent, no lacquer loss and in good condition.  Handle is tight fit with bird with bamboo motif gold overlay shakudo fuchi / kashira, tsuka-ito wrapping is no cut, no loose also in good condition. Tsuba is marugara shape iron sukashi tsuba with nice patina.  It came with NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho paper submitted on 7th, July, 1968.  It measures 20+11/16" cutting edge, 1+1/4" width, 6 mm thickness at the notch and 30" in mountings."

 

 

Here is the link the the sale: https://www.ebay.com/itm/165742784535

[francois2605]

Your sword comes with green papers which aren't considered reliable and therefore worthless today. Search "green papers" on the forum and you'll find plenty of discussions about them and why they're no longer trusted. Here's one such instance from January: 

 

 

Another thread where papers are discussed and why green ones are no longer trusted: 

 

 

Your sword was initially sold by showa22, regulars on the forum can immediately tell just by looking at the pictures without even clicking on the eBay link. Likewise, search his name on the forum where you'll be able to read opinions about this seller.

 

[Brian]

Looks to be a decent enough sword. You can probably disregard the papers as not reliable, and maybe consider the sword gimei. But that shouldn't detract from you enjoying it. It's a complete and nice looking wakizashi. The seller is slightly controversial, but not the worst out there, so you will get what is represented in the pics. If you're happy with what you paid, then enjoy it.

[suketaka]

@Brian  

[Sansei]

Nice looking wakizashi. If the papering is a concern to you, Jonathan, I think you could resubmit it for papering under the new system. Others on the forum could provide more information on this. I believe the cost would be about $500-$600 including shipping to Japan depending on your location. Robert Benson is a good contact person and others can also recommend people. Otherwise, enjoy.

[Rivkin]

Its supposed to be first generation Aizu Kunisada I guess... Good photos can allow one to understand whether its gimei or not. I would not be too worried by default.

[AlphaRaider]

Thanks everyone for the thoughts and opinions. I did a bit of research into this Showa22 fellow and it was fairly 50/50 so I honestly don't feel worried.

 

Once I receive the sword I will get detailed pictures of the blade and its components under a macro lens.  hopefully I can get some ideas from everyone if I should pressure a new paper or just keep it as is.

 

Thanks everyone and anyone new to this post is welcome to chime in with thoughts as well.

 

- J. Hoff

[Peter Bleed]

Sword collectors love rules, categories, and lore. "Green Papers" were what was available for years and years. Then SOME were besmirched. That does not make them "worthless." It certainly doesn't mean that they are ALL wrong. Enjoy the sword!

P

[AlphaRaider]

Just received the sword a bit ago. Im beyond impressed with it. Pretty excited.

[oneshot onekill]

I think you generally get what you pay for from that seller. I bought one sword from him that unfortunately had problems that weren't mentioned but he was fine with me returning it for a refund when I pointed them out. From what I've seen over the last few years he has had some pretty nice stuff and not-so-nice stuff but the selling price is generally in line. He's not "trying" to misrepresent anything when it comes to the actual "Blade". Yours looks like a nice one to me. Congrats! 

[Mark S.]

  On 11/5/2022 at 2:26 AM, AlphaRaider said:

 

Is there a recommended way to store or present the paperwork?

 

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I keep all my original NBTHK/NTHK documents in their envelopes and store them in an acid free document storage box (kinda looks like a shoe box) I purchased at an art store.  First I scan the documents so if I wish to print them off, or do other things with the images, I can do so.  I’m also a bit OCD and do a translation of all my paperwork to keep in my files.  
 

If your going to display, I would use copies as sun and climate can degrade any paperwork.  Really no reason to display the originals, but they do belong to you.  I’m not saying I am right… just saying this is what I do.