Opinions on new Wakazashi

[tschnare]

Hello, just looking for some opinions on my new purchase. According to a very helpful person earlier, it appears to be a Bungo ju Yukinaga. 
 

 

[tschnare]

I believe it was made in the 1620’s?

[Mark S.]

What is it you would like to know?

[tschnare]

Your thoughts on the swordsmith, quality of blade, tsuba, tsuka etc. Just general thoughts on the sword 

[oli]

Maybe:

YUKINAGA (行長), Shōhō (正保, 1644-1648), Bungo –

“Bungo no Kuni Kainomoto Yukinaga” (豊後国甲斐本

行長), first name Yashirō (弥四郎), according to tradition the son of the Tenshō-era (天正, 1573-1592) Yukihisa (行久),

he lived in Kainomoto (甲斐本) in Bungo´s Ōno (大野), Kainomoto is also read as Kaimoto and also written with the

characters (賀井本), suguha, ko-midare, wazamono

 

Hard to see the condition of this blade. Looks its not in so good condition. Did it have Papers?

 

Regards

Oli

[tschnare]

Blade is actually fairly decent, and no it didn’t have papers 

 

So, am I understanding correctly that the transcription is more than just Bungo Ju Yukinaga?

[Geraint]

Dear Tom.

 

You have missed the point, the transcription you were given is exactly correct.  The information that Oli has given you is the more extensive data that is available regarding his history.  You have a signed wakizashi with quite nice mountings and a history in the Bungo Takada school.  Lots of information available about the school.  It seems to be out of polish and so the detail you will be able to pick up might be limited.  Look carefully at the kissaki and work out what you are seeing.

 

All the best.

[The Blacksmith]

The mei is just Bungo ju Yukinaga.

[Ed]

The sword is signed Bungo Ju Yukinaga.  My guess is gimei, it is poorly cut and I think you will find it doesn't match any known good oshigata. 

The blade condition is what I would call poor to fair and the koshirae is mediocre at best.

I can't remember what the tsuba motif represents right off, but I imagine someone will provide you with that.

[tschnare]

Here’s a few more photos 

[tschnare]

Thank you everyone for your help so far

[Okan]

If this is going to be your first sword, for study purposes, I would recommend picking up something in good polish, so you can see the blade. 

 

[tschnare]

I can see the blade very well in person, I just can’t photograph it very well

[Mark S.]

Looks like someone might have treated it to a buffing wheel or sandpaper or ???  No yokote and edges rounded off along with extensive scratching.  Unfortunately, this one has not been treated well.  ‘Might’ be save-able but not sure it really would be financially advisable.  

[Mark S.]

We don’t want to discourage you, but we have to be honest with you so you can know what to look for the next time you make a purchase.  Read a lot here… read books… study blades presented on line, if you can, join a club or go to some sword shows.  Ask questions.  .  We are happy to help anyone learn, but unfortunately it is a long learning curve and sometimes lessons can be expensive and a bit disappointing.  Most of us have made mistakes and taken chances on items that didn’t pan out.