Need help with nihonto, and any information you can provide.

[ScottF808]

Hey Guys,

 

I'm really new to nihonto, and need your help. I came across this sword while we where cleaning up my grandmothers house. She had no idea that it was even there. We think my grandfather may have bought it, but we can't ask him as he has passed. Any help you can give would be great, is the sword real, does it have value, time period it may be from, sword smith, is it worth being polished, any info? I have taken the best picture I could, if any more are needed please let me know.

 

Aloha Scott

[Carlo Giuseppe Tacchini]

is the sword real,

 

Methink yes

 

time period it may be from

 

Might be Koto (quiet old), you should post measurements http://home.earthlink.net/~steinrl/measure.htm

 

does it have value, sword smith, is it worth being polished,

 

You should contact a study group and likely a polisher to have right answers.

Are you from Hawaii ?

 

Please do nothing to the blade on your own.

[Brian]

Imho, it has potential, based on the fact that the horimono (carving) and grooves look well cut. You should have it properly examined.

It's real. One of the best Western polishers is in Hawaii if you are lucky enough to live there.

 

Brian

[ScottF808]

Thanks guys on the input. I have add a few more picture so the measurements can be seen as suggested. If there is any more insight that can be shared I'd appreciate it.

[ScottF808]

And yes, I'm from Hawaii!

[Rich S]

Scott -

 

Contact Bob Benson in Hawaii. Excellent Japanese trained polisher. His website is:

 

http://www.bushidojapaneseswords.com/

 

Rich S

[Carlo Giuseppe Tacchini]

As suggested, Scott, you should get in touch with Bob Benson.

 

The sword seems indeed worthy to be properly examined by a professional. With a little patience you'll have all the answers you need in a much precise and professional way than

any picture or measurement would allow here. In the meantime you should check Rich's site to get familiar with terms and schools and swords should be handled .

 

My warning was due to the fact that any attempt to have a better view of the blade's detail most likely will result in a damage not easy (and expensive) to fix.

 

You're lucky. Please let us know what mr. Benson says.

[Jamie]

Scott,

you might want to look at this link. It explains how to handle swords properly.

 

http://www.nbthk-ab.org/Etiquette.htm

 

Jamie

[Wickstrom]

Scott,

 

Judging by how thick the blade is and the visible features of the blade, In my humble opinion looks like it could possibly be Nanbokucho era (1300's). This era is well known for the massive and thick blades produced to accommodate the need for bigger swords to be used on horseback.

[ScottF808]

Thanks for everyones responses! I'll try to contact Mr Benson, and will let you know what comes of it.

[ScottF808]

Hey Guys,

 

I got to meet Mr. Benson today, and he was a wealth of knowledge. He explained to me that the sword, was probably made around Late 1300th. He also said the sword look to be cut down in size and that occurred around mid 1600th. The designs where also add during that time frame. I was told that the blade has no major flaws, and had a thick temper. He said the blade was very strong and would polish out beautifully. As is, he said the blade was worth in the $1600-$1800 range. If I put the money into having it polished, the value would increase into the mid $4000. Thank you guys for pointing me in the right direction. I'll save up my money to have this blade restored. In the mean time, I bought a book "The Samurai Sword A Hand Book" and will read up to further my knowledge. Also he gave a few articles on the handling and care of samurai sword. Thanks Again.

[Stephen]

Congrats to you ScottF