One of my first Nihonto - NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon - Nambokucho Tachi "Hidemitsu"

[chinaski]

 

Greetings and I very much appreciate this resource.

 

 

I purchased 2 Nihonto (Tachi and Wakizashi) from the wife of a deceased acquintance in early July, and I have spent the last month learning as much as I can here on the NMB, Facebook and books.  I have read Yumoto’s book and have ordered The Connoisseur’s Book of Japanese Swords to further my education.

 

The previous owner of these swords was a very special and famous person, so I recognize the importance of protecting his legacy and passion as well as preserving these for future generations.

 

I purchased proper supplies from various sources on the internet, including Tozando in Japan.

 

I initially posted these on the Facebook Nihonto group that Ray Singer moderates, and I very much appreciate the initial assesment he gave me.  I have since deleted that post, as I feel a bit weird about posting valuable stuff on Social Media.  At least there is some level of anonymity here.

 

That said, I know asking about values is a bit subjective without sword in hand, so I will forgo that aspect and just wish to learn as much as I can about this sword, the time period in which it was made, and the bladesmith himself.   I am not looking to sell, as I hope these swords can bring me many years of joy exploring a new scholarly pursuit.   

 

Today, I will be posting just one of the swords that appears to have Tokubetsu Hozon papers from NBTHK.   Ray Singer’s assesment was that this is a Nambokucho Tachi partially signed  Hidemitsu and signed Hidemitsu Tachi are somewhat rare.

 

The Shirisaya is in decent shape, but does not close all the way.  The Koshirae is obvisouly modern with modern fittings.  I did attempt to mount the blade, but the Tsuba doesn’t appear to fit properly.   The wooden “blade” appears to be a dead on match for the real thing though.   I suppose a visit or chat with a Sayashi is in my future.

 

That said, I took the best pics I could with the resources I have.    I will post pics of the Wakizashi at a later time, but it appears to be a late Edo Period piece with NTHK Papers along with the Worksheet.  It's in very good shape.  

 

Thank You NMB!

 

 

 

 

[chinaski]

More...

[Jussi Ekholm]

It is a nice sword. I will PM you info on the sword when it was listed in Japan 10 years ago. You are right that koshirae has been made/fitted to the sword more recently.

[Bugyotsuji]

Kozori Hidemitsu - 検索 (bing.com)

 

Some reference work

[Lewis B]

Very nice looking sword with a sayagaki by Tanobe who was President of the NBTHK for many years and considered a pre eminent nihonto expert and appraiser. Some value his appraisals over the NBTHK. 

[Brian]

Really good purchase, and waaay above what many of us start with. Having a papered sword with sayagaki by Tanobe sensei is a real prize.

[chinaski]

Thank you for all the replies so far!  If I get a chance this afternoon, I will take pics of the Wakizashi we purchased and post that as well.  

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Scott,

Here you will find care and handling:

https://nbthk-ab2.or...ord-characteristics/

It is perfectly OK that the shirasaya doesn't close all the way; this is not a problem. Don't force the blade further in then it wants to go. Don't put the blade in the koshirae; it belongs in the shirasaya and may get scratched by the koshrae.

Grey

[chinaski]

Thank You Grey!  

[Soshin]

21 hours ago, chinaski said:

The Shirisaya is in decent shape, but does not close all the way. 

 

Very nice sword, thanks for sharing. I would suggest you send the sword to a professional to make minor modifications to the shirasaya to allow it to close correctly.    

[Brian]

I wouldn't. When it was made, it would have fit perfectly. Which likely means it's climate based, and will vary with the seasons. If you enlarge it, during the opposite season it is going to be very loose.