Owari Fujiwara Nobutaka Tanto - Opinions?

[Mosin25]

I am looking at possibly purchasing this nice looking tanto that is signed Fujiwara Nobutaka and in shirasaya from a seller that is somewhat local to me, and the estimate is that it's a later generation of this smith, and likely 2-300 years of age (A friend that collects and knows this smith thinks that it's 7th gen). The blade length is approximately 11" which I know is on the longer side for these tanto blades. I was hoping to get a few opinions on the mei, which so far I am told looks to be legitimate, but likely a more recent, possibly lesser known generation of this smith. What do you guys think of the mei, and if I should pick it up, would it be worth a shinsa? The pictures are from the seller, not mine. 

 

[NewB]

Hello

 

I think he is a respected, honest seller based on what I see posted on Facebook. It ultimately comes down to how you feel about it and why are you purchasing it on top of the asking price of course.

 

Also, I see Something that reminds me of Osaka yakidashi and also sambonsugi hamon so if you research the smith and that is a kantei point for his works then I would be comfortable with going for it. Also, i see solid silver habaki (good addition to the package).

 

I recently sold an owari shinto that had similar boshi kaeri that turned to muneyaki so that's what makes me feel good about the blade you're thinking of.

 

One thing - I don't know whether it's the lights but something with the polish looks odd..

 

Regarding the signature - looks bold and well inscribed IMHO 

 

Just an opinion by a novice so don't jump to conclusions or immediate decisions that might result in negative emotions. 

 

J.

[Mosin25]

21 hours ago, NewB said:

Hello

 

I think he is a respected, honest seller based on what I see posted on Facebook. It ultimately comes down to how you feel about it and why are you purchasing it on top of the asking price of course.

 

Also, I see Something that reminds me of Osaka yakidashi and also sambonsugi hamon so if you research the smith and that is a kantei point for his works then I would be comfortable with going for it. Also, i see solid silver habaki (good addition to the package).

 

I recently sold an owari shinto that had similar boshi kaeri that turned to muneyaki so that's what makes me feel good about the blade you're thinking of.

 

One thing - I don't know whether it's the lights but something with the polish looks odd..

 

Regarding the signature - looks bold and well inscribed IMHO 

 

Just an opinion by a novice so don't jump to conclusions or immediate decisions that might result in negative emotions. 

 

J.

Thank you! 

The reason for possibly wanting to pick it up is that I've always wanted a signed Japanese blade and everyone I've talked to about this example feel really good about the authenticity of the mei, and that it's a worthy candidate to send to Shinsa. The solid silver habaki is always a nice touch!

[NewB]

My words precisely 

 

 

Be well and I wish you success 

 

j.

[Tensho]

As far as the seller goes, he is no better than any of the other shady Japanese sellers. Had a blade listed that was described as having "typical dark staining from age" i asked for close up pictures of the "dark staining" the reply I got is, he doesn't take extra photos for people or waste his time because they end up not buying it(hmmm, I wonder why?) I told him if he guarantees this "staining" isn't rust that pitted the blade I'll buy it. Next day I received pictures of a pitted blade that had the surface rust sanded off. 

[NewB]

7 hours ago, Tensho said:

As far as the seller goes, he is no better than any of the other shady Japanese sellers. Had a blade listed that was described as having "typical dark staining from age" i asked for close up pictures of the "dark staining" the reply I got is, he doesn't take extra photos for people or waste his time because they end up not buying it(hmmm, I wonder why?) I told him if he guarantees this "staining" isn't rust that pitted the blade I'll buy it. Next day I received pictures of a pitted blade that had the surface rust sanded off. 

Troubling to hear. His blades sell fast as they are priced really low. Thank you for correcting me, it does a great service to anyone interested.

 

cheers

 

J.