Wakizashi in Shirasaya

[Aiden89]

Hello all, first post here. I recently acquired a Japanese wakizashi at an auction. The sword is in shirasaya mounts with a very nice silver habaki. The cutting blade length is 15 7/16. The Mei appears to be Masazane. If I’m not mistaken it is a Shobu Tsukuri style also it looks to be Temmon era ( 1532-1555). The blades temper is a strong ito suguha. That’s what I’ve figured out so far. Please feel free to correct me if I am wrong as this is my first Nihonto. Also any more information on Masazane if possible. Also another question would putting this sword in new mounts affect the value if any? Here are some pictures from the seller that I uploaded to my phototbucket.

http://s1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc425/Aiden007/

 

Thanks,

 

Scott B.

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Scott,

Putting the sword in new mounts, if the mounts are nice, should increase the value. However, if you spend $1,000 on the new mounts (not an unreasonable amount), you will increase the value of your sword by about $500. Making new mounts for a sword is almost never a winning proposition.

If you want a sword in Samurai mounts you should buy one. Much cheaper and easier than what you propose. Enjoy the Masazane for what it is.

Grey

[k morita]

Hi,

The second Kanji looks "nao" to me.

So, the mei says Masanao.

正直

[Geraint]

Hi Scott.

Congratulations on your first sword. It looks really nice. Have a look at the links section and get hold of the necessary materials to look after it. Look at it lots, in different lights and from different angles, learn to see all you can and start saving. This is a fascinating hobby and one that will keep you studying for a lifetime.

 

The advice about not going to town on fittings is good. Later on find a sword with really nice koshirae and enjoy this one as it is.

 

All the best.