eBay Mumei Wakizashi - How did I do?

[chinaski]

I wanted a full time display piece as my other two swords, including a TH papered sword, are locked in a safe.   There are a few condition issues, but I didn't give a lot for this thing either.  It will look nice on my mantle.    

 

The Habaki is wood and integrated into the Tsuka. Nakago appears Ubu, I was attracted to the Hamon (Midare?).  The sword is in old polish.  

 

I believe the old papers attribute this sword to Inshu Tadakuni, so mid to late Edo period?  I know the reliability of those old papers is a bit of a discussion in and of itself.  

 

Regardless, I think I did ok for an "entry level" sword of this caliber.  

[chinaski]

Few more...

[Ray Singer]

The appearance of the nakago patina is very unusual, which you can see both where patina runs into the nakago mune and at the habaki-moto (compare with a normal and natural sabigiwa). My impression is that the piece has been repatinated. I'm not trying to put down something that you said was intended to be an inexpensive display piece, just sharing my thoughts as you posted here for feedback.

[chinaski]

8 minutes ago, Ray Singer said:

The appearance of the nakago patina is very unusual, which you can see both where patina runs into the nakago mune and at the habaki-moto (compare with a normal and natural sabigiwa). My impression is that the piece has been repatinated. I'm not trying to put down something that you said was intended to be an inexpensive display piece, just sharing my thoughts as you posted here for feedback.

 I'm here to learn, so I won't be offended by any criticism whatsoever!  I wonder why someone would do that?  This sword "lived" in the San Francisco Bay Area, and that area certainly has some wild temperature and humidity swings.   There are file marks on the other side of the Nakago btw.  

[chinaski]

Few pics of the Nakago (Auction Pics)

[George KN]

I agree the patina is a bit strange (especially the transition from blade to tang) - I wonder if a gimei signature has been filed off, or the nakago cleaned, and then someone felt it would look better with the even colouration instead?

 

I very much like the hamon though, and I can see why you would buy it! 

[George KN]

Just to clarify my previous comment - the wear is just so even! There just doesn't seem to be any marks from people taking it out of koshirae like there are on my blades. Here's some pics for comparison - I think you'll see what I mean (note the shinier steel on the edges):
 

 

I wonder if this could all be explained by it having been in an old shirasaya for a very long time, building up the even patina without any wear, and then it had a newer polish that removed most of the transition between the patina and polished steel?

[chinaski]

Interesting for sure.  But yeah, I for sure have no idea other than I believe this came from an old collection and most likely wasn't touched for awhile.  The seller had a lot  of items for sale.  

[John C]

Scott:

Not to disparage your purchase, however that particular seller often, but not always, sells blades with some sort of problem. Not that they aren't real, just that there will  be some sort of defect, blemish, or other issue. Just keep that in mind for future purchases. I personally have no problem with buying from him, just know what you are getting and look for the issue. His pictures are generally good enough to look the blade over carefully. 

Just my two cents.

 

John C.

[chinaski]

4 hours ago, John C said:

Scott:

Not to disparage your purchase, however that particular seller often, but not always, sells blades with some sort of problem. Not that they aren't real, just that there will  be some sort of defect, blemish, or other issue. Just keep that in mind for future purchases. I personally have no problem with buying from him, just know what you are getting and look for the issue. His pictures are generally good enough to look the blade over carefully. 

Just my two cents.

 

John C.

 

Roger that.  Yeah, he had a lot of items for sale.  Honestly, I bought this as a display piece for our fireplace mantle...more or less to have something "worry free" - But I will enjoy it for what it is.  There will be other Nihonto in our future for sure, but I can't justify keeping a more expensive item out in the open.    

 

Edit:  And now that I have researched this a little bit more, I see what you are talking about.  LOL.   It's all good, and this wasn't that pricey of a purchase, but caveat emptor.   For my fireplace mantle, not unhappy with what it is.