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[Geraint]

Dear Ste.

 

You are asking for advice about a sword sold by a reputable dealer on a public forum.  You are also asking questions that suggest you are new to the field, I think many of us would not want to start advising you like this.

 

Your money your choice.  Franco has hinted that collectors really want to see signed and dated Shinshinto swords that are ubu, you do not have to follow this way of collecting, I certainly have swords from this period that do not conform to the rule,  but it might impact market value.  Not a problem if you intend to keep the sword for a long time.  The description is accurate and it is your call whether you are happy to buy the sword as it is, there is a suggestion of a polisher's paper which is not illustrated.

 

If you are in any doubt then hold off for a little and look at many other swords, if this one keeps coming back to you then go for it.  You might find this link of interest, https://markussesko....ieda-taro-teruyoshi/

 

If you are within easy reach of Firenze, (small touch of envy in my voice here) then spend some time with the dealer and establish a relationship.  Ask questions and see things.

 

All the best.

[sc72]

I have no doubts about the respectability of the shop and to avoid direct links I didn't mention the seller but it was another forum member who posted the link.

I understand in general what you mean and I will do so. Unfortunately I am not near Florence.

 

P.S.

In other fields where I understand more and on other forums (each expressing their own opinion without offending anyone) I have advised someone to buy or advised against buying an item, without necessarily causing controversy, in fact sometimes one may not agree on an item attribution or noticing an inconsistency but without it being a fraud or incorrectness. otherwise no one would be able to express an opinion or give advice anymore.

[Franco D]

8 hours ago, sc72 said:

So for you something is wrong here?

I can ask for (if there is) a new polish of the blade or not, maybe "yes" because the sward is with togishi (Italian or Japanese?) certificate (without hozon paper).

Muneyaki I dont' know

This could be Shinshinto blade 1830 circa (for the seller)

 

Ciao,

 

1. This is not a matter of there being something wrong here for me personally or otherwise. It is more a matter of evaluating this sword, any sword, from the perspective of meeting the criteria and standards for an upper level sword in this category. If one is going to spend good money on buying a Japanese sword, shouldn't that sword be in fact evaluated from the basis of what makes that sword a "collectible nihonto." At the very least one should buy a sword fully understanding what they are buying.  

2. There are many Japanese swords for sale. Just as the quality of the sword needs to be considered in the price of the sword. The quality of the polish should weigh in. 

3. This sword appears to have muneyaki. If this sword does in fact have muneyaki, the muneyaki should be carefully evaluated. Why, because the presence of muneyaki can say a lot about the quality of a sword. Muneyaki can range from being poor to excellent. The difference matters.

 

p.s Books, read, study, study, study.

 

Auguri

 

Edited June 1 by Franco D
rewording for clarification

[Franco D]

6 hours ago, Geraint said:

Your money your choice.  Franco has hinted that collectors really want to see signed and dated Shinshinto swords that are ubu, you do not have to follow this way of collecting, I certainly have swords from this period that do not conform to the rule,  but it might impact market value.  Not a problem if you intend to keep the sword for a long time.  The description is accurate and it is your call whether you are happy to buy the sword as it is, there is a suggestion of a polisher's paper which is not illustrated.

 

Hello Geraint,

 

Agree. My reply is simply trying to present things to consider especially for a beginner from a collectors perspective. 

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Buy what you like, but know (understand) what you're buying! 

 

Cheers