Shinto Wakizashi - Echizen Fujiwara Kunitsugu

[2devnul]

Hello NMB!

 

As always I'm looking forward to see your valuable comments. Please let me know what you think about this sword. What can you tell me about smith? Is my Mei translation correct (Fujiwara Kunitsugu)? 

And especially, what is that note on revers of NBTHK certificate? First time I see this. Why were some Kanji 'hidden' (still readable I think)? 

Please advise, thanks! 

 

[2devnul]

More pictures:

 

[2devnul]

More:

 

[Nihonto student]

Hi Adam,

 

Full translation: Heianjo Fujiwara Kunitsugu    https://nihontoclub.com/smiths/KUN1550

 

Nengo should be:  twelfth month of the eighth year of the Kanei era.

 

His master was Dewa Daijo Kunimichi (Some accounts say he was Kunimichi's son) you can find other info here https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/product/antique-Japanese-sword-wakizashi-signed-by-kunitsugu-nbthk-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate/?srsltid=AfmBOoobMbF1o3C2xoHmmAPGYjaiHHMkrxpubv6eMDoKOv2ZjazyQ2Qq

 

Nice blade though, shame about that opening on the kissaki.

 

Regards,

 

Giordy

[2devnul]

@Nihonto student Thank you very much!

 

  On 4/3/2025 at 1:20 PM, Nihonto student said:

Nengo should be:  twelfth month of the eighth year of the Kanei era.

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Is this 1632? 

 

  On 4/3/2025 at 1:20 PM, Nihonto student said:

Nice blade though, shame about that opening on the kissaki.

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Exactly, almost perfect sword. Still, I was able to afford it due to that ware on Kissaki. 

 

Any ideas what is that note on revers of NBTHK certificate?

[Nihonto student]

I'm not very experienced with nengo, someone else can possibly correct me but I think it's December 1631 because I consider 1624 in the count, if you look at the link info it says that Kunitsugu received an honorable official title of Echizen Daijo in the 11th year of the Kan-Ei era (1634) so 1624 falls into the count.

I understand well what you mean, we all want perfect blades but then we have to deal with the wallet...

[Nobody]

  On 4/3/2025 at 9:43 AM, 2devnul said:

........................................

 

And especially, what is that note on revers of NBTHK certificate? First time I see this. Why were some Kanji 'hidden' (still readable I think)? 

 

.................................................................

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The descriptions are the owner’s name and the date of issue. The format was used until March 2012.

[2devnul]

  On 4/3/2025 at 9:56 PM, Nobody said:

The descriptions are the owner’s name and the date of issue. The format was used until March 2012.

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Thank you very much for explanation. 

[2devnul]

Dear NMB,

 

Last request on this sword, if you please. Give me rough estimation on how much it is worth. I think I made a good deal and I'm eager to see what others think. 

 

PS. I like this sword very much and not intend to re-sell, just curious on your thoughts. 

[2devnul]

Found another one TH rated:

https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/product/antique-Japanese-sword-wakizashi-signed-by-fujiwara-kunitsugu-nbthk-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate/

 

[Mark S.]

  On 4/4/2025 at 1:36 PM, 2devnul said:

 

Give me rough estimation on how much it is worth. I think I made a good deal

 

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I know this isn’t the answer you want, but really, it is worth whatever you purchased it for… and someday if you decide to sell, it will be worth whatever price you and the buyer agree upon.  It is difficult to put dollar figures on other people’s blades as there are way too many variables involved.  As long as you feel you made a good deal, that is what counts.  You might do a search for other wakizashi from this smith/school in similar condition to see what dealers are asking and adjust up or down from there.  

[2devnul]

Thanks @Mark S.! I think you nailed it. Sword is worth as much, as someone is willing to pay for it. Maybe I was looking for comments to justify my idea of 'good deal'. 

 

Anyway, I just wanted to share (or boast ... sorry) about my new acquisition. As it is really nice sword, looks way better then on pictures.

 

Cheers! And thanks again everyone for your help and comments!

[2devnul]

Some more pictures and videos:

Kunitsugu - Google Drive

 

Thanks!