Please help to identify

[Longbowdude]

Hi can you help identify it?

[ROKUJURO]

It is BINGO MASAYUKI, but it is easier to read when you orient the NAKAGO photo vertically, tip upwards.

The blade does not look to be military. 

[Longbowdude]

2 hours ago, ROKUJURO said:

It is BINGO MASAYUKI, but it is easier to read when you orient the NAKAGO photo vertically, tip upwards.

The blade does not look to be military. 

Does this mean its really nice?

 

[Longbowdude]

More pics

[ROKUJURO]

John,

you don't show the blade so I cannot tell if it is nice. The signature does not tell much, it could be faked, or the smith might have had a bad day when he made the blade. Quality and condition is what makes a good and possibly valuable blade (not age!).

We would need close-up photos,  plus full size photos of the naked blade (no hardware on it), made on a dark, non-reflective backgrounf for good contrast, with light from the side. All photos directly from above (not at an angle). Presenting them as cut-outs would be good, so that almosr no background is to be seen.

Even with good photos it may be difficult to say something definitive about a blade, so you will not get a 100% confirmation online.

I cannot tell you details about the smith, I have no book about swords..  

[ROKUJURO]

John,

it is a military KOSHIRAE which does not tell us anything about the blade (which makes the value).

The NAKAGO photo is better, ALMOST vertical.

[Longbowdude]

Thanks for the info. These are the best pics I got of it. Its not mine yet. I was trying to do some research on it. I should of got better blade pics. This is the only one

[Longbowdude]

Anyone else have any input based on the information given? Thanks

[Grey Doffin]

Hi John,

Bingo Masayuki will be one of two smiths who worked in the mid 19th century. Neither of them were particularly famous but even mediocre smiths have a good day. Hard to tell much from such limited information but, as long as there are no serious defects in the blade, this should be worth $1K or a bit better. This just a guess; in hand examination by someone knowledgeable and honest is needed.

Grey

[ROKUJURO]

I will add the full MEI after finding the missing KANJI by accident:

BINGO MIYOSHI no JU MASAYUKI.

I hope that helps the identification.

[Longbowdude]

Thanks for the help all. I did not get the sword. It was a local auction. I roughly estimated 1500-2k value. It sold to a collector @ over 2? something. The buyer was very knowledgeable and said he probably paid close to its value. I have learned alot. Thanks again.