Literal Barn Find Gunto

[Mortis]

Gentleman, for your viewing pleasure. So, this sword was found in 2009 or so. The owner said her husband bought it at an estate auction, where it was found wrapped in a blanket in the rafters of the barn. The owners of the estate had moved there in the late 40's and had never known of its existence.

 

Looks in pretty good shape all things considered. Of course, the blade is somewhat rusty and the saya is missing its koguchi. It is signed and has an illegible stamp. All of the koshirae has matching numbers (51 C - and a star stamp, even the tsuba and saya.)

 

My questions are: The mei? Looks to be of the "chippy" variety. I can't read it. Also, the stamp? I really can't make it out either. Look familiar to anyone? Also, the matching numbers koshirae. Does that denote anything in particular.

 

I would lean toward "machine made", but I don't know much. I'm sure the photos are not the greatest and will turn sideways (I don't know how to prevent that). Thanks for looking everyone.

 

[Bruce Pennington]

Neat story! Can't see pictures though! I see

 

 

[Bruce Pennington]

Great! Pictures came in! The small stamp is the "Seki" stamp. 70% of all war sword were made in that province. It also means it is made by non-traditional means. Someone else will have to translate the smith name.

[SteveM]

福本兼宗  Fukumoto Kanemune

[Mortis]

Thank you Bruce and Steve.

 

Bruce, may I ask, what would you consider a good ballpark value? I get the impression that the owner will be looking to sell this sword. I'm not necessarily interested unless the asking price would be fairly inexpensive. She told me that her husband paid$1,000 for it and I told her that I thought that it was a lot to pay, and think maybe more like $600/700 at auction. I've seen the late war variants (in worse condition) go for as much around here.

[PNSSHOGUN]

$6-700 would be fair for showato in that condition. 

[Bruce Pennington]

Justin,

 

I'm a little out of touch on Type 98 market value. The market seems to be down just a bit right now, so John's figure might be right. They used to sell for $1,000 and over, but in nice condition. Personnally, I thing $750-1,000 is a good ballpark range, depending upon what you what, what you're going to do with it, etc.

[Mortis]

Steve,

 

I was wondering, is the first (wider) kanji Fukumoto Kanemune, a space, and then the long combination of kanji a date?

[SteveM]

No date on this one. 

[Mortis]

Thank you Steve. That depiction is just great. I will pass this on to the owner when I return the sword.