Please educate one who knows little on this subjekt. What katana is this?

[Gus H]

Would much appreciate some help identifying this sword that just recently came in to my possession. As part of a trade and resolving a debt this was included and given a estimated value. And as none of us knows much about swords he claimed it was from the mid/late 17;th century which seemed to me totaly implausible considering the feel and look of the sword. Even though I feared it to be a replica or chineese copy at first I got a more and more positive feeling about the blade after a while, didnt feel fake to me but I still fear it might be. He first wanted about 2500 € I haggled it down to 1500€ thinking I would take a chance on it. 

Having taken the help of ai to decipher the Japanese writing it seems to point to a much more modern sword. ChatGPT claims to see the words : Taishō-period (1912–1926) School: Bizen Osafune ,swordmaker Matsuo Nobusada (松尾延定) or possibly Matsuo Entei (松尾延定)  

What is your opinion on thoose claims?

If real; please help me with a ballpark estimate on the value in your opinion. 

 

Did I overpay for a fake sword with fake certificate or did I do okey in this deal?

 

The sword measures about 73 cm (29 in) and 75 cm (about 30 in) with scabbard. 

 

 

Very thankful for all the help I can get.

 

/Gus

 

[David Flynn]

Looks like it's signed,  Bishu Sukesada.

[Gus H]

Thank you very much David. Would that mean its not from the early 1900:s? Or is the blade much older then the rest? Trying to get my head around this? Thanks again!

[rebcannonshooter]

From the partial picture of the appraisal paperwork I can read "BISHU OSAFUNE SUKE SADA", which appears to match the signature on your sword. Since there were over 150 Suke Sada's that worked over several hundred years it's hard to tell which one from what you've provided. There is appraisal paperwork, take clear photos of it and post in the translation section, and I think most of your questions will be answered. But, it is a real Nihonto with some age.

Tom

[Gus H]

4 minutes ago, rebcannonshooter said:

From the partial picture of the appraisal paperwork I can read "BISHU OSAFUNE SUKE SADA", which appears to match the signature on your sword. Since there were over 150 Suke Sada's that worked over several hundred years it's hard to tell which one from what you've provided. There is appraisal paperwork, take clear photos of it and post in the translation section, and I think most of your questions will be answered. But, it is a real Nihonto with some age.

Tom

Thanks alot Tom! That puts me at ease, Seemingly real is good news! I will post it there and hope for more info from the translation.

Amazed to learn that there is 150 smiths working under that name, incredible. The blue appraisal paper seen in the background is the only document it came with but the previous owner hinted he might have a additional document belonging to the sword. Would there normally be other documentation to the appraisal?

[rebcannonshooter]

I see an oshigata (tang rubbing) attached to a description written in Japanese, which appears to be an appraisal. That's the document I'm talking about. (Also the swords appears to be several hundred years old)

Tom

[Gus H]

Thanks again Tom! This is getting more intriguing the more I learn about it.
 

I did post a picture of the appraisal in the ”translation” section where I was told that the appraisal attribute to a ”koto Sukesada working in the late Muromachi period, circa Tensho era. Bizen Osafune school”. I have learn a lot more about this, didn’t know a single word in Japanese when I woke up this morning but I’ll catch up.
 I have a lot  experience with antiques and ancient artefacts but my instincts were way of on this one. Would not have guessed it could be that old considering the condition it’s in, still find it hard to believe the other parts aside from the blade could be as old but I intend to find out all I can.
Much less interested in the price at this point, I’ll probably never sell this sword… Been trying to find the explanation for the asymmetrical pattern on the tsugu the last hour.. great stuff!

 

Here is the appraisal, does it seem complete to you or should there be additional documents? 

All info is greatly appreciated,

’Thanks again.

 

[rebcannonshooter]

Hi Gus,

Ray translated the major points of the appraisal for you, but it seems that there's a couple of things your confused on. The papers authenticate your sword to "Koto Suke Sada". Koto is not the first name of the sword smith, but as Ray indicated "Koto" is a general time period of sword manufacturing. The appraisers believe that it was made during the Tensho Period (1573-1592) which is adding a more specific time period rather than just a general koto estimate. As I indicated in my first post the sword is signed BISHU OSAFUNE SUKE SADA. Meaning the swordsmith's art name was Suke Sada, who lived in Osafune village, Bizen Province.  Your sword is quite old and genuine, but I have no idea of sword values in Sweden. Everyone on this forum loves Japanese Swords, and we hope that all new sword owners understand that they are now "custodians" of a historical artifact, and give it the care it deserves.

Tom 

[Bruce Pennington]

Sword Care Guide: Japanese Sword Care - japaneseswordindex.com

[Gus H]

Hi Tom, 

Sorry about all the confusion on my side and thank you for the additional clarification. I do feel a great respect for this sword and very exited about what I am learning about it and Japanese swords in general so far. You have all been very helpful and i appreciate it very much. Realising the quality and of this blade and the outstanding craftsmanship that has gone in to making it all those years ago commands a certain respect.

I can assure you that if this sword one day leaves my hands it will do so in the same or, if possible, better shape than I received it. The preservation of the blade tells of previous custodians great care and I shall care for it with the same respect and honor.

The monetary value seems meaningless in a sense and says little about its actual value. I care little at this point about the number of crowns I spent on it.

With that said I still have to try and find some kind of estimate both for insurance purposes and to know if I have to lock it up every time I leave my house. I feel reluctant to do so but for practical resons I still need to know if its closer to say 1000€ or to 5000€. Seeing the wide range of prices on swords that seem similar is still a bit confusing but I would guess prices in Sweden to be similar to price else where.

 

I will be ordering a cleaning kit and the proper oil for the blade. Also I would like to find a suitable sageo and possibly a kosuka if one that fits can be found. The lacquer on the saya has chipped and cracked in places and I will look into if that can be fixed. 

 

Gus

 

[Gus H]

32 minutes ago, Bruce Pennington said:

Sword Care Guide: Japanese Sword Care - japaneseswordindex.com

Thank you Bruce. Very helpful. I have printed this information and will be ordering what I need for the best care of this sword.

/Gus