Takada Sadamori (Mumei, Koto, 1550-1570)

[LastSamurai]

Hello guys and gals,

I have a very nice Koto era mumei nihonto, attibuted to Takada Sadamori of Bungo provice (c. 1550-1570), with NBTHK Hozon origami. This is the second time I list it here, cause last time when I needed some serious cash I was able to raise it without selling the nihonto, and was able to keep it for some more time.

It is a well-preserved suriage blade in wonderful polish. Expectedly, it has some kizu, but nothing fatal. Given its age and presumptive usage, I believe the blade to be in great condition.

It comes with shirasaya and koshirae. The koshirae is newer, probably late Edo era, done in Tensho style. I guess the shirasaya is older than the koshirae, but could not know for certain. Everything is in great condition as well.

Besides the NBTHK Hozon origami, sword's provenance is backed up by the reputation of the person who initially brought it to Europe straight from Japan back in 2001. His name is Roy Echtermeijer, owner of an antique shop in The Netherlands. He is a respected Japanese antique's dealer. Probably most Europeans who are into collecting genuine Japanese swords can vouch for his business and his company Gero Trading.

I bought my Koto era Takada Sadamori from him in early 2021 and cared for it as good as I could ever since. Sword's current condition is more or less exactly the same how I received it from Mr. Echtermeijer.

For me, this nihonto is a treasure. This is the most beautiful blade I've had the chance to hold in hand and inspect in person, althought I admit I don't have wide access to nihonto. I've held my fair share of Japanese swords, but my experience in appraising the aesthetics of a Japanese blade is certainly not as high as other forum members might have. Still, you should be able to tell from the pictures that my high praise isn't without merit. The utsuri is what strikes me more than anything else in the blade's appearance.

One may ask - why you'd sell this treasure? Well, because I need money. I have some upcoming expenses that need to be covered rather quickly and this is a very expensive (for me) sword I simply could not justify to keep regarding the circumstances. I could not force myself to even dry handle this nihonto, let alone use it on purpose. I believe it to be too valuable as a historical artifact for me to somehow risk damaging it. The sword just shines on its wall-mounted katanakake for more than two years. Of course, cared for regularly and receiving well-deserved admiration.

Here are the blade specs:

Zukuri: Shinogi-Zukuri, ko-kissaki
Nagasa: 69.9 cm (27.5")
Motohaba: 3 cm (1.18")
Motokasane: 0.64 см (0.25")
Sori: 1.95 cm (0.77") torizori
Hamon: gunome-midare with utsuri
Jihada: itame with ji-nie

Link to detailed pictures:

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Looking to get 6600 Euro. I'll suffer from selling it, especially for this sum, but it is what it is. The sword is located inside EU and I'll prefer to ship it inside EU. Shipping within EU is included in the asking price. For outside EU, buyer pays the difference in shipping and any applicable taxes and duties, plus bears the full responsibility of the deal on his part. The sword will travel in a padded rifle case, covered with bubblewrap. Koshirae with blade and shirasaya with tsunagi will be placed inside their respective sword bags, accompanied by its Hozon origami.

As much as I enjoy owning such a nihonto, my situation and out-of-swords expenses really force me to part with it.

I am also open for reasonable offers and might be willing to take cash + trade as long as at least half of my asking price is in cash.

In the upcoming weeks will be a good time for me to raise funds. When the time passes, I may return the original asking price or remove this listing altogether, as I did the last time. Money is not everything for me, but it is needed though...

If you are interested, shoot me a PM. As for the offers, the worst is I say no.

Thanks for your time!

For clarity I am also sharing the original pictures provided to me by Mr. Echtermeijer. First to further prove this is the same sword, second to offer a better study of it. My pictures simply do not do justice to this blade. It is so gorgeous! Usually most of the beauty could be seen only in person. But whoever made these pictures for Gero Trading definitely knows his trade, for he was able to capture a lot of it.

Detailed description of sword's condition, provenance and history could be found in one of the images. I simply don't possess the knowledge to add anything further to it.

Link to original pictures, provided to me by Mr. Echtermeijer:

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Thanks everyone for your attention!

[Lewis B]

Pics are not loading. Can you upload to google drive?

[LastSamurai]

Hi there!

PIcs absolutely work on my end, but yes, I can upload to Google Drive and share.

Stay tuned!

[Lewis B]

Many are wary of opening links due to the obvious risks, so always better to post on the thread or have them uploaded to a server like Google Drive or Imgur.

[LastSamurai]

Here is a Google Drive link: https://drive.google...hwyT0BBS?usp=sharing

Hopefully now more people would be able to admire the sword.

[LastSamurai]

I am willing to drop the price to 6300 Euro, shipped inside EU. As for outside EU, buyer and I split the difference in cost for shipping. Offers are usually welcome, as explained above. Thanks for the interest!

[LastSamurai]

Still available.

[LastSamurai]

A mint, beautiful and preserved antique from the mid 16th century, with full koshirae and shirasaya, plus Hozon origami, located inside EU. Will consider offers as well, as I need to money rather pressingly. If offered trade plus cash, keep in mind I will need to receive in cash at least half of the deal value.