Kawachi (no) kami Kunisuke in Shing gunto mounts

[PeterCollector]

Hello dear friends,

 

I just want to share with you my latest purchase in UK and also ask for your opinion about this sword. Sword which you si is in absolutely untouched state, nobody took it appart from the war and I was for sure the first. Gunto fittings are very nice and in perfect quality. Each part of the koshiare - is marked by matching numbers. Tsuba is pierced style and menuki is also unique. On the pommel is damaged samurai mon - damage was done probably by the sword former owner. Habaki is thick silver type. Blate tank was shortened to fit into gunto fittings and has three mounting holes. Tang is signet by well known smith Kunisuke. Blade is quite short if I compare it to the handle and scabbard. Sword in its scabbard is extremely long and heavy.

 

Now the bad part, blade is not in best condition, it has scratches and old micro pits from corrosion. Hamon is visible, but I can not take a picture of it  Blade has no bends, hits or nicks and is very sharp.

 

And the final question is, what do you think about this sword? Do you think it is worth of polishing? Or keep it as it is. And what about itsh koshiare, why it is so long if it is compared to blade?

 

I am looking forward to your opinions and advices.

 

Thank you in advance

 

Peter

[PeterCollector]

Here are some additonal photos of blade tang and other parts.

 

Peter

[Franco]

10 minutes ago, PeterCollector said:

And the final question is, what do you think about this sword? Do you think it is worth of polishing? Or keep it as it is. And what about itsh koshiare, why it is so long if it is compared to blade?

 

The key to making a decision will come down to understanding the outcome vs cost. Typically, a collector will go through these considerations before making a purchase and not in hindsight.

 

Be that as it may; If the mei is shoshin, then a polish could be rationalized depending. A new polish would mean having a new shirasaya and habaki made, and that is the proper way to store a newly polished blade. You can have the saya maker make a tsunagi for the mounts.

Being suriage this sword may only achieve hozon origami, both of which will affect resale value, a consideration. 

So, it may come down to what this sword means to you personally in deciding how much you're willing to spend on restoration. 

 

Regardless, if you keep it as is keep it oiled and keep a close watch on it to make certain the rust does not progress.

[David Flynn]

Going by the shape, if the sig is legit, then my guess would be 3rd gen.  Unfortunately,  Kunisuke, swords are often Gimei.

I have  a Kawachi no Kami  Kunisuke Nidai, and the sig and shape don't match.

[PeterCollector]

Franco D - thank you for your advice, l exactly know what are you saing and understand that. Sword was not expensive at all, but futhwr investment just can not be considered as reasonable.

 

David Flyn - yes, false signature is also the option for this sword. But signature looks descent.