Would appreciate thoughts on a sword

[Kmad]

Hi All

Well this is all I have to go on, so I would really appreciate your opinions on this sword,

No pictures of tang and I can see the menuki pin is reasonably  accessible so I am wondering if something lies underneath that is not desirable.

So can any one educate me as to what this is and is it worth going after I was thinking of around 800 euro as a gamble.

Much appreciated as ever.

Ken 

 

 

[Kmad]

few extra shots, 

Cheers

Ken 

[Shamsy]

Looks pretty good; a strong patina (take that as good or bad), but a few issues with the blade... a lot of rust and chips. Some rust looks deep, other bits surface. The chip in the kissaki would be the major issue I think. If you want a reasonable example of an officer's sword, don't mind a bit of genuine wear and tear and also a bonus tassel and mon, go for it (if not too expensive). Unless the blade is something spectacular, forget about restoring it. And don't try yourself. It's had enough abuse by the look of things. Amateur work is more detrimental than effective. 

[ROKUJURO]

Ken,

without showing the NAKAGO it is difficult to comment. The damages of the blades are multiple, and the value of the whole depends on it. If you buy it, you will probably regret it one day and wish to have a restored blade in good condition. But such a restoration would cost you a few thousand $. 

Please show all blade pictures tip-upwards.

[Kmad]

Hi

Thanks for the comments.

These are only pictures available at moment before I make an offer,

If I spent 800 do you think I could recover my costs at a later stage when I want to move the item on?

Regards,

Ken 

[Bruce Pennington]

It's got a decent habaki and a family mon, so the blade could be an older family blade.  But it could be a zoheito, too.  That price is just under the current US market price and with the damage to the blade, I wouldn't expect to sell it for much more, unless the market hits an upswing by the time you are ready.

[matthewbrice]

Ken, you should be able to recover your initial investment on the sword when selling--plus a bit extra.  

 

 

 

--Matthew Brice

 

St. Croix Blades

[Kmad]

Thanks Guys,

You have always been very good to me in the advice so I will consider what you are saying and the weekend will reveal the next step in the story

you all did right by me on this one (below)  so I might get lucky, still have this sword and i still brings me happiness to own it

Ken

 

 

 

[Matsunoki]

Possibly an old “family blade”, possibly Kanbun sugata but the kissaki is a real “train crash” and would require extensive re-working assuming the boshi remains. I would also be worried about hagire in the kissaki. It’s a gamble, could be ubu and signed…..or not. I would be sceptical about recovering outlay…..it needs a lot of expensive work which will put people off. But then again the Ito is old and genuine, mon on the tsuka…..obviously not a fake etc

I would probably gamble at the level you suggest but I’d be prepared to be disappointed. 

[Kmad]

Hi 

Viewed  the sword and there is a bad bend and a ripple in the blade, I decided not to bid to hard on the sword, would 600 euro still be ok?

Thanks 

Ken 

[Matsunoki]

  On 3/5/2023 at 4:34 PM, Kmad said:

bad bend and a ripple in the blade

Expand  

Difficult to say really. I would walk away……too many nasty issues. Pay more for a better item and be happier?

….just an opinion.

Hope it goes well whatever you decide.

 

[PNSSHOGUN]

Save your money, this was once a very nice sword but time and neglect have taken their toll.

[Shamsy]

Agree with the general sentiment. It's better to be a little more patient and save a little more to get a better sword. A simple, clean sword with an oil quenched blade and reasonable fittings is very likely to at least get you back what you pay for it in the event of needing to liquidate. Unless you really plan to make traditional swords a study (and this is a long term commitment), you'll get just as much satisfaction from a neat, affordable oil quenched blade. Better yet, get one with a mei (signature) so you have a touch of history and know who may have made your sword. Shouldn't cost any more unless they are a renown smith.

[Kmad]

Hi

Sword sold for 1200 euro, once I saw the bad ripple in the blade I was no longer interested and was happy to let it go.   The seller said the condition was very good and did not mention the bend at all.

I hope buyer will be  happy with what they are going to see.

Regards

All

Ken

[ROKUJURO]

Good decision!