Sword Identification

[Kyle68]

does that affect the value of the sword?

[Matsunoki]

7 minutes ago, Kyle68 said:

does that affect the value of the sword?

More likely to increase the value than decrease it depending on how well it’s been done. Papers can be issued for swords with Mei that have been removed suggesting that it’s not too big a deal. Others may have differing opinions. 

[Bruce Pennington]

In a way, it is a testimony to this blade.  I have seen other blades with stamps that were removed.  In both cases, they are saying "I see a great blade.  This blade has been marked (a stamp, or a gimei) in a way that is going to be seen by higher-level people (shinsa/expert buyers) that will give them an artificially low opinion of this blade.  It deserves a better reputation."  So, they file off the stamp, or the false signature.

 

Now, the other side of that coin, is that the owner wants to sell the good looking blade for more money, and has the stamp or false signature removed in order to sell the blade at a higher price.  

 

One is a good motive, the other an ulterior motive.  But in truth, they both acknowledge that the blade deserves a higher opinion than it's original state would receive.