koshirae Nihonto

[Vampyres]

Hi there I have a 18th century samurai sword fittings could it have been owned by a samurai 

[Brian]

John, hate to say it, but not really a valid question. Could have been owned by pretty much anyone. There is no way to know who owned it, and the whole "owned by a Samurai" romance is not a big factor in collecting, when you are at the entry level.

[Mikaveli]

I think it's a reasonable question, just not one with a direct answer.

 

For example, if genuine, displaying certain mon might suggest being owned by a samurai status family.

 

Sometimes the theme of the fuchi kashira can provide clues (though, not certainty).

 

Depending who made the tosugu, sometimes these craftsmen only worked for specific families.

 

Despite the sword hunts, being a katana length sword doesn't guarantee "samurai owned". But wakizashi length or shorter increases the likelihood of a merchant being the original owner etc.

 

But, all that said - enjoy it for what it is. It certainly "could have been owned by a samurai" - and if that thought gives you more enjoyment from the piece, stick with it.

[Stephen]

Of course it could have been owned by a Samurai.

Possible a merchant, let your heart believe what it wants. Now if selling don't make statements one can verify.