Please help identify

[Vintage5434]

I am trying to identify this sword which was given to me from a family member. I have tried to research it myself but I quickly realized the complexity and difficulty of it. Any help would be appreciated!

 

Thanks

Bob

[DoTanuki yokai]

The blade is signed Bishu Osafune Tadamitsu the rabbit on the Fuchi Kashira could be the white rabbit of Inaba jumping over the waves. 
I can’t see much of the blade but with the Signature and size I would say it is from late Muromachi period. 
 

Edit: just saw the Date, I think it is Bunmei 3 the 2nd month = February 1471 

[Bugyotsuji]

Tadamitsu was a good smith of the time but you do find fakes. The blade steel should clarify it for you. Is that top photo aligned vertically with the camera, on a flat surface?

[Bazza]

Bob, how fortunate you are.  Its quite wonderful to see a sword come out of the woodwork unmolested.  I have very much enjoyed seeing your sword and for any advice you are in the best hands here on NMB.

 

BaZZa.

Melbourne, Australia.

[Rivkin]

I think the sugata is ok and the hi appear to be well cut, so there is a chance its real. A detailed shot showing work somewhere on the blade can reveal more.

[Baba Yaga]

Rivkin, You must be looking at better - other photos than I. or have better eyes, Can't see much,

The Mei doesn't look like some hack job which makes it close.  

[Franco D]

Congratulations, a signed and dated ubu Muromachi period sword makes it quite collectible (with tasteful koshirae to boot).

I see no immediate flags here. Do wonder if this is an Uchigatana? What are the dimensions?

Should you decide to have this sword polished at some point, do choose an excellent polisher. 

 

Regards,

[Jacques D.]

Unfortunately gimei.

 

https://www.aoijapan.com/wakizashi　bishu-osafune-tadamitsu（hikobei/

[Vintage5434]

15 hours ago, DoTanuki yokai said:

Thank you everyone for the replies! I will post better photos of the blade and dimensions.

[Vintage5434]

Here are more photos of the blade. The approximate dimensions I was able to measure: length of the Nagasa is 55.2 cm, and the Sori is 1.43 cm.

 

[Rivkin]

On the one hand looks interesting (tobiyaki? possibly utsuri?) on the other hand not much to see and the hi turned out not as well done as I guessed. I would check the signature against books (or find someone willing to do it) and depending on the answer would decide on polish. 

[Franco D]

If shinsa decides this is a mei meant/intended to fool they will bounce it. However, it may still be worth submitting to a U.S. shinsa for the experience and to see if it passes as something other than ... , like a school mei. At least you'll then definitely know and understand what you have, and so will the next owner. Or, just don't worry about it and enjoy the sword as is. 

 

p.s. btw, hi can be recut.

 

Regards,

[Vintage5434]

So if I understand correctly the sword is a imitation but I know it was brought to the US from Japan in 1945. What would be the best way to get it appraised by an expert as I want to determine its value and possibly sell it. Any suggestions who would be best to provides appraisal services?

 

thanks!

[Rivkin]

NTHK shinsa, maybe Chicago, I don't know where else it will be (florida?), but usually they do come to Chicago sword show. You can mail in the sword. Alternative is to find someone willing to go through specialized books and compare the signature. Then you can sell it even with a photograph from a book showing identical signature. 

If its gimei, you'll have to sell it as is, no gain from polishing etc.

[Brian]

Sword isn't an imitation. Signature may be...that is extremely common with Japanese swords. But the sword is still real and antique.
False mei are very, very common. It doesn't mean the sword is worthless, as we judge them by the quality and not only the signature.

[Vintage5434]

Thanks for the advice!