WW2 Japanese NLF sword

[Swords]

I’m probably wrong about the type NLF but im am using the term for my question

I am looking at 3 NLF swords but this scabbard is wood I’m guessing because it was a later 1944 there was a material shortage 

So does this hurt the value because it’s wood not metal? I’m surprised it didn’t have a leather cover but maybe it once did and was destroyed over time

 

 

 

 

steve

[george trotter]

Hi Steve,

I don't think you will have a devalued sword there as there are a number of variations in the "NLF" mounts and it will be the blade that determines the value.

Any chance of telling us / showing us some more about the mounts and blade?

Regards...

 

[John C]

Steve:

As George noted, the real value is in the blade. And yes, the wood saya would indicate late war, however I believe it would have been black lacquered originally. It looks as if someone may have stripped and cleaned it. Not surprising as you will often find these with chipped and peeling lacquer. Here is an example of one:

 

John C.

 

[Swords]

Interesting John  If paint was stripped will that decrease value ? 

[John C]

1 hour ago, Swords said:

will that decrease value

On the mounts, yes. But again, if the blade is a gendaito as opposed to a showato, then the devaluation would be minimal. If, however, these are ONLY mounts, then the condition should be taken into consideration. 

 

John C.

[Swords]

It’s gendaito than again it depends on the smith and conditions of blade 
thanks for your help 

 

Steve

[ROKUJURO]

Brian,

Thank you! It must be very difficult to choose the correct section......

[Swords]

Here more pictures of the mounts and blade the hamon looks weak but no other issues 

I was offered 2000 but wood scabbard and weak hamon keeps me from buying although the price seems fair 

 

 

 

steve

[Bruce Pennington]

On 4/18/2024 at 9:20 AM, John C said:

the wood saya would indicate late war, however I believe it would have been black lacquered originally. It looks as if someone may have stripped and cleaned it.

I think John's right about this one.  It's got the double release buttons, which are normally found on higher-end Rinjis with gendaito blades in them.  They usually have that textured coating on the wooden saya (there's a name for that), and it's missing on this one.

[Swords]

Is that a bad thing ? Is it still worth the money as it sits now with wood scabbard and  one release button

The  the kanji has  4 characters

but it seems there’s so many variations 

I’m still sitting on the fence with this one

 

 

 

Steve 

 

 

[John C]

1 hour ago, Swords said:

I’m still sitting on the fence with this one

One more consideration - it appears in these pics that the hamon runs off the edge (the boshi does not turn back). If this is the case, it would be a fatal flaw and would not be worth the two grand, in my opinion. But as is often the case, I could be wrong. Added up, I would pass.

 

John C.

[Bruce Pennington]

The issue with the saya is going to be a personal thing.  If you plan to re-sell, I would consider the fact that it bothered you, so it's bound to bother potential buyers.  If you're keeping it, again, that's a personal taste issue only you can answer.

[Swords]

You helped me make up my mind  I think i will wait for nice one with painted scabbard and better hamon

It seems the ones I want are too pricey

I have to think about resale 

Thanks to all

 

 

Steve