Can you help identify this sword?

[robsawitski]

Hello. This is my first post so please forgive me if I messed up any protocals. I was referred here by some one trying to help me with a problem. I'd be get to get your thoughts on the following:

 

I recently bought a sword from my wife's aunt. She got it from the wife of a WWII soldier as payment for helping to organize a downsizing garage sale. I tried to do a bit of research before I bought it, but all I learned was that some military collectors know slightly more than I do about Japanese swords, i.e. not much. I have always wanted to own a real samurai sword, so my heart was really into figuring out what this sword was worth so I could buy it from her.

 

I spoke to one person who restores Japanese swords. He said he couldn't be sure, but from the pictures I sent it looked like the blade was made in the late 1700s. The fittings he told me were very poor quality, but definitely made during WWII.

 

I spoke to and showed two WWII military collectors. One said the same thing as the sword restorer. The other said it was definetly a machine made blade produced after WWII.

 

Taking the best-two-out-of-three approach, my wife's aunt and I agreed it was an old blade in newer (gunto) fittings. So I bought it from her for the fair amount one military collector suggested.

 

I'd love to have this blade restored. I know it'll cost several thousand dollars to do it. I'm ok with that as I'd like to do this to have a family heirloom to pass down to my kids. I've been involved in martial arts for years and I got my kids involved when they were teens. I'd be something they would all appreciate having in the family - something to fight over when I'm dead.

 

Problem is that I'm not convinced the blade is old (i.e. 200+ years). Would it be possible for you to look at the attached pictures and let me know your opinion on the sword. The pictures are not the best in the world, but they were the best I could produce with my 7.1 megapixel camera and indoor lighting.

 

Thanks in advance for your time and your advise.

Best wishes,

Rob Sawitski

[kaigunair]

It looks like they might have taken the steel wool to the tang (nakago) area. this is a big no-no and would reduce the value of the sword, along with the consideration for polishing. 7mb is a lot, so pics should be better. i think the problem is the compression so that the pics are too small to get a good look at any detail...

[robsawitski]

I'll try and take some other photos and post them tomorrow. Any suggestions on what I should photograph? I think I can save these in a slightly high compression ratio as well.

[Jamie]

Is the tip of the Kissaki damaged?

[robsawitski]

The very tip (maybe 1/4 mm) is broken off.

[robsawitski]

OK. I got out the instruction manual on my camera and tried to take some better pics of the sword. If you would, please take a look and let me know your thoughts. Like I said, I'd love to restore it if I can verify that it's an old blade. Thanks again for the help.

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Rob,

Going by the patina on the nakago (tang) and the depth of the ha-machi (notch at the beginning of cutting edge), my guess would be a sword made during and for WWII.

Even if it is earlier it doesn't look to be anything special. Probably best to leave it as is; don't spend for restoration.

Grey

[nagamaki - Franco]

Probably best to leave it as is; don't spend for restoration.

 

A second to this sentiment.

[robsawitski]

Thanks for the feedback. I have to admit it's a bit disappointing, but better to hear the truth before spending a lot of money. Now, can I ask what you think it might sell for on eBay. I spent $600 for it. Is it unreasonable to think I'd get the same for it - at least break even (less shipping)?

[drbvac]

Well -- u can certainly try and put in a minimum bid but I wouldn't pay 600 for it as the fittings are ? and the blade considering what it looks like now is basically ruined in terms of a representative war-time production blade.

 

There isn't even going to be a big demand for this from the military collectors all things considered.

 

Good luck

[robsawitski]

Thanks for the feedback. I guess I can just count this as tuition for learning about something new. My gut said to hold off, but I just wanted to believe the story of the restoration guy, i.e. the blade is late-Edo period.