Tachi... Fake or real?

[John A Stuart]

Thank you for the corrections. Nice find after all is said and done. He is recorded as having been of the Masahide school and rated at 40 which is pretty darn good. John

[inyopc]

Thank you very much to all for the quick translation of the Mei... Special thanks to Mr. Morita for editing the picture with the translation.

 

Please excuse my ignorance, all this doesn't mean much to me. I've been trying to google things, but I can't find "fujiwara tsunatoshi", I don't know his relevance as a sword smith, the period itself, how good is rating 40...?

 

Also Mr. Morita, I'm confused (probably because of my lack of knowledge), because you mentioned that "He is Kato Chounsai Tsunatoshi"? Is he the same person as "fujiwara Tsunatoshi"?

 

In Spain we have a saying that goes something like this: "is like feeding Caviar to the Pigs!"

I feel a little like that, not knowing anything about what I have in my hands... For all of you guys it must be even more frustrating!

 

It would be great, if any of you could take the time to explain me a little about the value of the sword, how and where I could have restored, etc...

Or please send me in the right direction to do my own research. I would also love to find some information about the owner Shidara Kingoro, any ideas where? (not much on the web).

 

I'm so happy!!! Thank you all very much for your help!

I'm sure that all of you must share my excitement... Rest assured that even if I'm such an ignorant, I do appreciate this find... this is one of the best things that has happen in my life...

I've always dream of owning a true Nihonto (if it is. :? ...) And to find one like this is wonderful.

 

Patrick

 

Jacques, I can't post right now the pics of the entire Nakago, I'll do it tomorrow... Sorry.

[cabowen]

The smith's name was Kato Tsunatoshi. His art name was Chounsai. Fujiwara is an old clan name that many smiths append to their signature.

 

Kato Tsunatoshi was a talented and well known smith. There are many fakes of his work but yours, at a glance, appears to be genuine.

 

His work is highly valued and of interest to collectors. This blade really needs to be properly restored. It is a shame that it has been chipped and the point damaged. It is very likely though that a professional polisher in Japan could restore it properly to its correct shape.

 

Most collectors would be very happy to own this blade. I have seen Tsunatoshi's work sell for $18,000US and more. Of course that was for a blade in perfect condition. To restore your blade would not be cheap, upwards of $5000US with the strong yen. It would nonetheless be a very worthy undertaking and I hope you have the financial means to accomplish this as the blade is certainly deserving.

 

Feel free to email me if you have further questions regarding restoration.

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Patrick,

3 things to say about restoring your sword.

1. Restoration isn't necessary for preservation of the sword; it will keep fine with just a very light coat of oil on the polished part of the blade (as in the etiquette brochure). Nothing wrong with having it restored and you should have the work done if you like.

2. However, every time a sword is polished some of the blade is lost to the stones. After too many polishes the core steel starts to show on the surface and a large portion of the art and value are lost also. Beginner collectors often don't know how to properly keep a sword in polish; it gets scratched and dinged and soon enough the sword needs yet another polish. If you have the sword polished make very certain you know how to properly care for it.

3. If you have this restored be sure that only properly trained artisans get to work on it. Do not give it to a polisher unless you know he has proper training and is recommended by someone who knows good polish. There are numerous amateur polishers who will do the work for much less money (you can't toss a brick without hitting one; in fact, that's not a bad idea) but don't let them near your sword.

Congratulations; nice sword. Grey

[inyopc]

Thank you everyone for your help identifying the sword.

Thanks Grey and Chris for the tips about restoration...

I think I would like to have it polished if it's not bad for the blade. Any recommendations of a trustworthy person who could do it?

I'm planning to go for a couple of years to Japan...

 

Thanks again for your expert advice.

 

Patrick

 

PS: Any interest in having a look at the pics of the Indian sword I'm trying to identify...Or you guys are only interested in Nihonto?

[cabowen]

Thank you everyone for your help identifying the sword.

Thanks Grey and Chris for the tips about restoration...

I think I would like to have it polished if it's not bad for the blade. Any recommendations of a trustworthy person who could do it?

I'm planning to go for a couple of years to Japan...

 

 

It will only hurt the blade if you have less than a professionally trained polisher touch it...I would be happy to assist you. Email me privately.

[Brian]

PS: Any interest in having a look at the pics of the Indian sword I'm trying to identify...Or you guys are only interested in Nihonto?

Patrick,

Head over the The Izakaya Off-Topic section below the main forum page. There is a thread there for other edged weapons.

 

Brian