help for my first katana

[sc72]

Hi, I'm new in this forum and I would like to buy my first katana.

I only have some basic knowledge having read a few books on Japanese blades, but I'm inexperienced.

The sword in the photos was presented to me as a "Momoyama era blade" (1500) but with various horinomo, hilt and saya (all) from the 1800s (Edo), therefore more recent than the blade. The photos are not the best but everything I said above would be included in the "guarantee" ...and that the blade is not damaged (from the serious defects typical of Japanese blades) and professionally cleaned. There is no HOZON certificate (or similar) and NO deciphering of the signature (on the tang of the blade).

My doubts are:

1) does the blade from the photos (metal grain and shape) seem original from the Momoyama era?

2) is it plausible that the blade is not "Umu" but "suriage" or "o-suriage" (I don't have the complete photo of the area under the handle)? but it is long 72 cm

3) from the photos is it possible that the "ritual engravings" (...some are identical figures present in my books) are original from the 19th century (Edo) and not modern/fake?

4) do you know the signature of the swordsmith in the photo?

5) Is the Habachi damaged?

If there were no surprises (and also with a Suriage)  how much could it be worth this katana?

Thank you for any help you can give me, I don't have any other photos

...If it is not possible to ask the value of the blades in this forum, I apologize and confirm the other questions

[sc72]

I see a round ship's rudder on the handle... is such a thing possible?

[Geraint]

Dear Ste.

 

A number of points for you to consider.  The kashira, the end of the hilt, features a gunbai or type of fan rather than a rudder, but this matches the fuchi which also has a fan.  I would encourage you to look elsewhere, this sword pretends to be by Awataguchi Omi no kami Tadatsuna but it has nothing to do with him.  Compare here and that should be obvious, https://sanmei.com/c...8765_W8575_PUP1.html  He was a master carver and so the horimono are really weak and nothing to do with him.

 

The sword hit has been rebound and I would dare to suggest not very well.  If you look at the whole sword there is an unevenness about the line of the tsuka rrunning into the saya which suggest one or the other is a replacement, the saya finish looks wrong to me.  The silver foil on the habaki is damaged but more worrying is the rather strange seppa which look homemade by someone who didn't want to put in the effort.  I can't speak to the tsuba but I can say that it is of no interest.

 

If I saw this for sale I would assume that someone has put together a rather dodgy blade with some home made koshirae.  Owning this will bring you no pleasure and you will then have the moral problem of trying to pass it on.

 

Save your money. keep an eye on the For Sale section here, try to get in touch with a local sword group who will help you.

 

Forgive my bluntness.

 

All the best.

 

 

[sc72]

I thank you and I won't deny that what you say confirms the doubts I had. I already have valid alternatives in specialized shops but I wanted to be sure even the not-so-pretty photos had warned me

[John C]

  On 5/23/2024 at 8:12 PM, sc72 said:

I see a round ship's rudder on the handle.

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I see a dharmachakra buddhist symbol.

 

John C.

[David Flynn]

Dharmachakra, is actually the Buddhist wheel.   Above is a Dragon wrapped around a Vajra (ken).  The Vajra, represents the ability to cut through ignorance.  The Dragon represents, wisdom.

[John C]

  On 5/24/2024 at 4:56 AM, David Flynn said:

Dharmachakra, is actually the Buddhist wheel.

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Yes. I was referring to the symbol on the kashira.

John C.

 

[David Flynn]

Yes, sorry, now I see it.

 

[YourBabyBjornBorg]

Hi, sorry to add on this already perfectly discussed and finished topic.

 

Hope what I say can help a little bit.

 

First, I think this Mei is a very badly made Gimei, almost the work of an amateur.

 

(It says Awataguchi Ominokami Tadatsuna/粟田口近江守忠綱, and the 1st gen of this name is an early to mid edo smith, so definitely not Momoyama.)

 

Better pictures will be needed for a more in-depth look at this sword, but it's not necessary, for this is just not a very good sword.

 

The Horimono also doesn't look very promising.

 

And Osuriage is only when there is no Mei left on the sword, while Suriage is Machiokuri with the Nakago cut and shortened also.

 

Yes, the Habaki is damaged and should be replaced to prevent making scratches on the blade.

[sc72]

I am interested in this sword (...my first sword) sold without hozon  paper as an Edo shinshinto blade from Nankai Taro Tomotaka (Awataguchi school) from 1830 it is in very good condition and with handle and scabbard (black simple) as shown in the photo. I would like to know: 1) if anyone can confirm the writing on the blade!  2) how much a similar blade would honestly be worth. Thank you for your help

[sc72]

This blade is UMU 

[sc72]

I

 

 I would also like to ask (in general terms) how much a "sword" or a "tanto" that lacks one of those little "tools" (that can be inserted into the appropriate places)

can be depreciated.

[sc72]

[John C]

  On 5/29/2024 at 7:40 PM, sc72 said:

how much a "sword" or a "tanto" that lacks one of those little "tools"

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I assume you mean the kozuka (the actual blade is called the kogatana). Since most of the value is in the main blade, not much. You may choose to pay a little more for a complete and matching package, however.

I've taken the liberty of orientating the mei for you, though I can't verify the signature.

 

John C.

[sc72]

thanks John, yes I mean kozuka because there is a tanto (edo) with two of these little tools but one is lost. I ask to myself if the price is the same with two tools. Nobody can confirm the writing on katana or tell me what could I pay for it?

[sc72]

I'm thinking to buy it but I,m scared to pay too much for it or to know (after) that something is wrong (seeing the photos) in this sword

[sc72]

In my country the sword is no free and It have the same regulamentation of firearms, so the price (to import and to buy it) goes UP

[sc72]

The blade is UMU e without big Kizu 

[sc72]

NO HOZON PAPER