Mumei Type 98

[CowboyVittles]

Hey guys, was wondering if you could comment on this mumei blade. Came in Type 98 koshirae with the exception of the round tsuba. Looks like some rougher Edo tsuba I've seen, but I have no idea about the authenticity.

 

 

Not sure if there is hada showing through in these or just scratches... but definitely some kind of hamon in there. It might have shown signs of shortening under the habaki, but I forget, didn't take it off during pictures. Can go back & check if that helps ID any..

 

 

any info is much appreciated!

[Franco]

Looks to be Edo period based on shape. Can't tell much else through the steel wool polish. Don't mess with the patina on the nakago. You can research the shape of nakago-jiri to narrow down tradition/school possibilities. That ware at the edge of the hamon could be the reason this sword is not signed. 

 

Regards

[Mister Gunto]

Nice piece! Looks to be an early Shinto-era blade, probably from the 1600's. I have a Kanbun era one signed by Yoshiyuki, with similar low sori and a relatively short ubu nakago, also in Shin-Gunto koshirae. 

 

It's not uncommon to find the older swords mounted in WW2 Shin-Gunto koshirae that have old Tsubas fitted on them, instead of the typical brass Typ98 one. 

 

 

[CowboyVittles]

  On 7/9/2024 at 3:08 PM, Mister Gunto said:

Nice piece! Looks to be an early Shinto-era blade, probably from the 1600's. I have a Kanbun era one signed by Yoshiyuki, with similar low sori and a relatively short ubu nakago, also in Shin-Gunto koshirae. 

 

It's not uncommon to find the older swords mounted in WW2 Shin-Gunto koshirae that have old Tsubas fitted on them, instead of the typical brass Typ98 one. 

 

 

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Jackpot! Thanks for the replies, guys. Wasnt sure if it was actually old as I know next to nothing about mumei, but the nakago looked genuine to my untrained eyes. 

 

  On 7/9/2024 at 6:28 AM, Franco D said:

Looks to be Edo period based on shape. Can't tell much else through the steel wool polish. Don't mess with the patina on the nakago. You can research the shape of nakago-jiri to narrow down tradition/school possibilities. That ware at the edge of the hamon could be the reason this sword is not signed. 

 

Regards

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Thanks,

 

Yeah, seems like the previous owner of these swords tried his hand at a home polish on some... shame, but oh well.

 

I have not done anything abrasive to the nakago. Just a very light dab of mineral oil & a dab off to dry, for fear of moisture in my local area. Should I refrain from letting oil touch the nakago in the future or does this matter?

 

[Franco]

  On 7/10/2024 at 2:05 PM, CowboyVittles said:

Just a very light dab of mineral oil & a dab off to dry, for fear of moisture in my local area. Should I refrain from letting oil touch the nakago in the future or does this matter?

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The nakago looks fine as is. Having said that, if there are concerns about elevated humidity levels a very light touch of sword oil on the nakago is fine. 

Apply with fingers and "dab" it dry (do not rub!), so that there is barely a light film of oil, nothing more. 

 

Regards