Is this eBay listing nihonto?

[mike900]

https://www.ebay.com...r=artemis&media=COPY

 

I've been looking for an affordable sword from around the edo period. How can you tell the age on something like this? 

[ROKUJURO]

Mike,

It is easy. You buy some 20 to 30 related books and study them for 15 years (or more). You go looking at authentic swords in museums, exhibitions and collections. You go looking at swords at auctions and KANTEI sessions, where you can handle them. You study the subject here on the NMB.

Then, when you look at a sword you like and want to buy, you can assess the school, the era of manufacture, and sometimes even the smith. 

Looking at pictures and guessing the age of a blade is really difficult and often, you cannot be sure.

By the way, the age of a blade is not as important as its quality.  

[2devnul]

9 hours ago, mike900 said:

https://www.ebay.com...r=artemis&media=COPY

 

I've been looking for an affordable sword from around the edo period. How can you tell the age on something like this? 

 

Hi,

 

I can't tell you what is the age but I can tell you that this sword looks like salvage from fire = no Hamon. Plus getting it in a presentable shape = polishing = costs way above the current value of the sword. 

 

In other words, if you wish to buy Nihonto, then better skip 'occasions' on Ebay, save up to 1-2k USD and buy something here. In decent/great polish, with papers, etc...

 

Unless you want this type of junk, then try your luck at Komonjo's Ebay. Better junk then this one (better condition) for similar price. 

 

PS. Torokusho (paper) says nothing about age of the sword. Just that sword was registered in Japan. IMHO you even can't be sure it is Torokusho from this sword. If you want age/smith confirmation, look for NBTHK papered swords. I strongly recommend checking "for sale" section in this forum or contacting one of the dealers. 

[Brian]

Hard pass. Spend $700-1000 and get a decent local wakizashi, there will be plenty US members who can offer you way better.
@Mark

[Mark]

Thanks Brian

 

Mike -- where in IN are you located? I am near Toledo OH......... i have several wakizashi in the $3-600 range.   If you are close you can come and see swords in hand  by email is nixe@bright.net

 

Mark

[Mark S.]

If in Indiana, you have a local group who meets regularly.  I’m sure they would be willing and eager to help.  Research Indiana Token Kai.  A member will also probably see this and reach out.

 

EDIT: Also, Mark up above runs a heck of a Japanese Sword Show in Chicago every April (dates: 25-27 in 2025).  An excellent opportunity to see blades in hand and learn a lot.  While his reputation doesn’t need me to ‘vouch’ for him, I’ll do so anyway.  One of the dealers you can trust to lead you in the right direction.

[O koumori]

Hello Mike,

The Indiana Token Kai meets monthly, usually on the third Saturday of the month   https://indianatoken...om/indiana-token-kai

Although our December meeting will be our annual Christmas party, the meetings always have some nice Nihonto to look at and learn from, as well as friendly members eager to help people on their journey! We meet at the Morgan County Public Library in Martinsville.

Feel free to reach out to us for assistance.

Regards,

Dan K.

[ChrisW]

I'll also add that at any given time, many of our Indiana members have swords for sale as well. Just let us know what you're looking for and we'll do our best to steer you in the right direction.

[mike900]

Thank you all for your great responses. You saved me from buying junk. I guess my thoughts were since the yen is supposedly down  some deal of the century could be had if I found something out of Japan. 

I would also like to thank everyone for being polite on this site, I've only posted twice with amateur questions and both times I have gotten great responses. 

[2devnul]

@mike900

 

Example: https://tokyo-nihont...koshirae-nbthk-hozon

 

Dealer @Seiko was advertising this blade here on this forum, wanted 2k USD. I didn't buy, now I regret. Anyway, you can see what you can get for 2k, so no worries, you will find something decent for <1k$