DocTheRoc Posted February 10 Report Posted February 10 Hello everyone! A few months ago, I purchased a Nihontō in koshirae from a consignment sale in Japan (from a “go-between” dealer) and just received export approval from the Cultural Ministry. While I wait for it to arrive, I was hoping to find out a little more about the age and smith. I did try to do my own research before I purchased, feeling pretty confident it was indeed a Nihontō (aside from the fact that I was purchasing from Japan with papers…but you never know). Thanks to another member of the community, I was able to discover it had an nijimei of “兼直”. On the Nihontoclub website, I was able to find a few smiths using this name, but the dates are a bit all over the place. Im not expecting this blade to be from the 1400-1500s (despite being pretty out of polish), but it doesn’t seem like a 1935-1945 blade either…it’s missing a stamp (could be worn off?), and I haven’t seen many Showato with nijimei (though I am also very much a beginner). Also, I’m under the impression that Showato are more than likely not being sold IN Japan, even as exports, but I know that is debated. While the fittings may not be from this blade originally, maybe they’ll help date it? The tsuba looks Edo period based on the shape and style (chrysanthemum and heavily circular shape, but i could be wrong!)… I can take much better pictures when I receive it, but in the meantime, I’d love to get some thoughts here. Thanks! 1 Quote
Stephen Posted February 11 Report Posted February 11 It's older than showa Look for Kanenao in the club 1 Quote
DocTheRoc Posted February 11 Author Report Posted February 11 16 minutes ago, Stephen said: It's older than showa Look for Kanenao in the club Thank you very much sir! I did absolutely look at Kanenao, though the smith name has quite a date range. I will look again and do more research I will endeavor to provide better pictures once I receive the sword soon, if that would help - I understand the construction quality/style isn’t evident from these photos, but despite that, I really appreciate you taking a look!! Quote
Stephen Posted February 11 Report Posted February 11 PS I do like the koshirae, working samurai second sword 1 Quote
DocTheRoc Posted February 11 Author Report Posted February 11 10 minutes ago, Stephen said: PS I do like the koshirae, working samurai second sword Absolutely agree - it’s out of polish with a chipped kassaki, but I think that gives it character. Quote
Franco D Posted February 11 Report Posted February 11 https://www.mandarin....com/glossary/nakago 1 Quote
dimitri Posted February 11 Report Posted February 11 The tsuba is very nice. the tsuka too. Think it's older than Showa in my opinion 1 Quote
DocTheRoc Posted February 11 Author Report Posted February 11 6 hours ago, Franco D said: https://www.mandarin....com/glossary/nakago Thank you very much! I will be sure to examine this further when I receive the blade soon. From the initial pictures, it appears, in my very untrained eye, to have a Kashū nakago jiri, and Ō-sujikai yasurime (though I could be missing something). Thank you for educating me! 1 Quote
Tohagi Posted February 11 Report Posted February 11 Very interesting shape and nice old original koshirae. Congratulations... 1 2 Quote
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