Wakizashi for your review.

[vantique]

Hi. Hope everyone is fine. I would like your expertise on the authenticity of this sword, if possible. Apologies for the limited pics. Thank you so very much. 

[rebcannonshooter]

Hi Vincent, Your sword appears to be a legitimate Nihonto.  The mei reads KATSU SHIGE.  There were a number of smiths with this name, who worked from Shinto to Shin-Shinto.  My guess from nakago shape is Bizen, but just a guess.  Hard to tell much from the blade.

Tom

[vantique]

Hi Thomas. Thank you for the validation. Very much appreciated. 

[Rivkin]

Hard to be certain - nakago shape and writing style are more consistent with Muromachi, say about 1540, but such sugata is not that different from what was used more or less until about 1630-1640. I guess in this condition that's the range we are dealing with.

[vantique]

Thank you so much Kirill for lending your expertise. 

[DTM72]

Kamusta po Vincent. Kung kaylang mo nang tulong sabihin mo lang sakin.

 

I agree with @Rivkin that the wakizashi looks to be from the 1500's. I also agree with @rebcannonshooter that it is signed 勝重

More info can be found on the smith here--> https://nihontoclub.com/smiths/KAT172

[vantique]

Maraming Salamat Po Dan, for your affirmation and offer. Thanks again! 

[ckaiserca]

It is difficult to tell from the photos, but does the discolouration on the blade appear to be rust when you view it in person or does it seem to be something else that is on the blade? I think that the blade might have been treated with something like Cosmoline.

[vantique]

Hi Charles. It is rust discoloring the blade. Thank you for  voicing out your concern.

[Jon]

I cannot quite see if you have red rust on the blade, but I would make sure you keep it oiled with light machine oil.

[vantique]

Will do, Jon. Many thanks.