New Member Needing Assistance

[Ramsey]

I got this sword at a yard sale from a gentleman who s father brought it back from Japan after ww2 any assistance would help

[Stephen]

Bishu Osafune Sukesada...many many many over time...looks muromachi era

[Grey Doffin]

I want to go to that yard sale; lucky you.

Here is a link to a care and etiquette site:  http://www.nbthk-ab.org/Etiquette.htm If you are new to Nihonto please read it carefully, twice.

Cheers,  Grey

[Jean]

Congrats guys, I was unable to go further than Bishu Osafune as the pictures were so fuzzy ....

[Ramsey]

I also got the Arasaka rifle and the silk flag also at the same yard sale. So is it old and what would you put the value of the sword at

[Stephen]

We cant tell from your pix, id hazer a guess you could triple your money, Just WAG. saya needs work and we cant tell condition of blade. 

[SteveM]

I couldn't get the very last one... I only got it as far as Bishū Osafune Suke. A better picture of the last kanji on this tang would put my curiosity to rest, but I suspect that it is indeed Sukesada. Also, if you've used talcum powder to bring out the signature, you might try a shot without the powder. It sometimes confuses things. 

 

So is it old and what would you put the value of the sword at

 

If the signature is authentic, it means the sword is several hundred years old. If you do a search on that swordsmith's name, you should find a lot of information about that line of smiths. If you search on this board alone, you should find enough to keep you busy for a while. Most importantly is to read up on handling, care, storage of the sword.

 

The value depends on the quality and condition of the sword. If it has several decades of curious fingers touching the blade, then you'll probably need to get it polished by a professional Japanese sword polisher. Avoid the temptation to try to remove the rust by yourself. Also avoid the temptation to let a well-meaning amateur try to polish it...you will likely cause further harm to the blade. 

[Ramsey]

I took more pictures

[Stephen]

Still missing the end of nakago possibly not sada

[Ramsey]

I apriciate all the help I am so excited about this information I'll be researching for weeks with all the info you guys have been giving me

[Stephen]

The shape of the end of the nakago gives us info as well.

[Okiiimo]

Ramsey

 

Please allow me to interpret nihonto lingo.

 

Nakago = the rusty looking part of the sword that has one or more holes in it.

 

Stephan is asking for a pic of the whole nakago as the very end of it is an important clue to sword indentifaction. More help is being offered if you provide a photograph.

[Ramsey]

Thanks for the definitions I am a tote newbie at this here are some more pics thanks agin guys

[Stephen]

Yes Sukesada. Ubu nakago! How long from tip to notch where the habaki fits?

Hard to find a un messed with 500y ol blade!! Tommarow maybe pic like the last set but of the blade please.

[PNSSHOGUN]

You did very well Ramsey. We can probably tell you about the flag and Arisaka rifle too. If the rifle has an intact Chrysanthemum on the top of the receiver it will be worth more to collectors.

[SteveM]

Yes, I agree with Stephen: Bishū Osafune Sukesada (and probably saku - 作 - at the end).

[Stephen]

This is the date side, if we can clear up the first few kanji, we can date it.

 

a lightly rubbing with a slightly oiled cloth may bring it out, or maybe the talc again after working on it. 

[Ramsey]

The oil worked well here are the pics to include the lengths you requested

[Stephen]

The pluses just keep on coming. over 28 inch blade, untouched nakago, value is rising,  I still cant read date, even in hand it may be unreadable.

 

Heck of a pick up! 

[Stephen]

Ramsey i sent you a PM