Kantei/evaluation/appraisal.....advice

[Mortis]

Gentlemen,

 

I am looking for some direction and suggestions on how to go about getting some help in determining what I hold in my small newbie collection of three years. I have a mumei shinshinto katana and a mumei early shinto wakizashi/possible uchi katana (guessing). Both blades are in polish and are mounted in koshirae.....franken koshirae I would say, but at least it's another feature and offers other things to look at, admire, and study. I still feel, in my newbieness, greatful to have these in my possession and for the lessons they have taught me.

 

I also hold a mounted, papered, koto wakizashi -Yoshii Fujiwara Kiyonori- that I purchased form Mr. Danny Massey- that I'm still very pleased with and that I feel can be a lifetime keeper type sword for me. Message board bonifides....lol....so you all know that I maybe have some sense and better idea of what to collect....lol.

 

Anyway, I understand that these two are very likely not valuable swords. However, I know what I paid for them and would ideally like to understand what it is I own and what reasonable value they hold concurrent to the sword market, etc. Like many of you, I definitely peruse the well known American sword dealers websites relentlessly and know that several offer such services. I live in South Central Pennsylvania, and would ideally like to, in person, have these swords evaluated in hand as an aide to study and education. As I progress within this hobby I would like to plan for the time whereas I can use these swords to sell, trade, etc....free up funds for further study.

 

Would anyone know of any Japanese sword experts who may offer such a service in the mid-Atlantic or east coast or eastern mid-west region of the United States? Any ideas, advise, and suggestions relating to questions stated or un-stated would be most welcome. I can definetly try to take and post some photos if anyone feels like that would aide in this post. I am here to learn. Thank you all for any wisdom you more seasoned collectors may care to impart.

[Mark]

i will be in Pittsburgh 10/5-7  at a show, there will be other collectors there, happy to look if you bring them by

[PNSSHOGUN]

Mumei shinto wakizashi in polish are anywhere from $700-$2000 but more often than not on the lower end. We all have one I wager, and it's the start for most people collecting Nihonto. Take them to the show and go from there.

[Mortis]

John,

 

Thanks for the reply and advise.

 

Mark,

 

Thanks so much or the offer, that would be great. Looking forward on the calendar, that seems to be a weekend that I'm due to work, but I might try to drive out on Thursday for a few hours for the opportunity. I actually met and spoke with you earlier this year at the Baltimore Antique Arms Show.

[O-Yumi]

   We seem to be in about the same class of Nihontofile and since I live in North central Pa., was wondering if we could connect somehow and compare notes, etc.? I usually make it to Timonium MD. for the Antique weapons show in March. Let me know,   John

[Mortis]

Sure thing, John.  What did you have in mind.  I'm in Shippensburg, btw.