Possible Kagemitsu tachi. Signed and in polish

[gustaf]

I’m not sure if this is a true and correct Kagemitsu tachi. It is still in polish albeit has some marks. Blade looks correct with proper signature. Thoughts or opinions on authenticity and quality of the overall tachi?

[Ray Singer]

The sword is signed katana-mei, so it would not be considered a tachi.

[Ray Singer]

https://nihontoclub.com/view/smiths/meisearch?type=All&mei_op=contains&mei=%E6%99%AF%E5%85%89

[Greg F]

A lot of uchiko all over the blade and habaki.

Its a nice looking sword, whats under the wrap instead of same?

 

Greg

[gustaf]

I don’t have it in my hands yet. Seller only provided the pictures above. At the price I could not pass it up and took a chance on buying without personally inspecting it. Once I have it I will report back the results.

[gustaf]

It finally arrived. I will post series of quick pictures. Please forgive the background. Katana does appear to be a correct Kagemitsu Kamakura era unless you see something different. Polish is still very good with just minor scratches. Koshirae is older with some wear. Saya motif matches the fuchi. Kashira is some sort of bone. I cannot tell what menuki signifies. Everything looks very good and correct. My only complaint was packing by the inexperienced seller. Plenty of bubble wrap but blade was not secured to saya. It slid out at a bad moment and almost took the whole finger with it. I will not be posting the stitches picture...

[Ray Singer]

It is fairly certain that this is not an authentic signed example of a Kamakura period Kagemitsu.

 

Katana does appear to be a correct Kagemitsu Kamakura era unless you see something different.

[gustaf]

#2

[gustaf]

Can you share your thoughts on what it could be other than just gimei.

[Ray Singer]

Gustaf, the mei is extremely fresh. The mei and the nakago have no appearance of age as you would expect from the Kamakura period. The sword is also katana-mei. The sugata, hamon, etc all have the feel of a much later work. There were a number of smiths who signed Kagemitsu, as indicated in my link above. Gimei is also possible.

[Ray Singer]

An example of a later Kagemitsu.

 

http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/30531-ubu-signed-72cm-fujishima-kagemitsu-tachi/?fromsearch=1

[Valric]

This isn't the Osafune Kagemitsu. As for what it is, it's very difficult to say. If I'd venture a guess: 

• Shinshinto based on shape and hamon style
• Ubu or close, second Mekugi-ana added to make it seem O-suriage
• Gimei with the intent to pass as Osafune Kagemitsu

Example of Kamakura-period Osafune Kagamitsu. 

[gustaf]

Understood and appreciate your comments and expertise. I’m out of my depth here but at least it appears to be a true nihinto unless you disagree.

[gustaf]

You beat me to it

[gustaf]

Appreciate all the responses. My hat is off to you guys for being so good at this. There is no way a mere mortal like me could decipher it all.

[Katsujinken]

Gustaf, the mei is extremely fresh. The mei and the nakago have no appearance of age as you would expect from the Kamakura period. The sword is also katana-mei. The sugata, hamon, etc all have the feel of a much later work. There were a number of smiths who signed Kagemitsu, as indicated in my link above. Gimei is also possible.

Bingo bango bongo case closed. The mei and nakago look very young. Kamakura is totally out of the realm of possibility here.

[Brian]

...BUT...still looks like a nice and genuine Nihonto in fairly decent condition.

[16k]

That’s what I was about to post! Shoshin or Gimei, I wouldn’t mind mind having it in my collection. Congrats!

[Jacques D.]

100% gimei for Bizen Kagemitsu who did'nt use nijimei but nagamei, mei seems also brand new for being from the kamakura era.

[PNSSHOGUN]

Hi Gustaf, welcome to the world of collecting, although you have a Gimei you also have quite a nice sword on your now bandaged hands! You can have the sword sent to the NTHK-NPO for shinsa, I believe they will give an attribution while ignoring the mei. Your other option is to have the mei professionally removed by a Togishi and sent for Shinsa to the NBTHK.

[Ken-Hawaii]

Go NTHK first - then you'll have some provenance.

[gustaf]

Gents, many thanks for your wisdom, kind words about my purchase and support. I will look into the NTHK route as advised. It’s a new path for me but it opened a new world of learning.

[vajo]

Carl spare your money with papering. Enjoy the sword. It is nice.

[Tom Darling]

Hi Carl,

 

Don't remove the mei, a gimei katana is better then a momei katana in this instance.

 

 

Tom D.

[gustaf]

Excellent points. I will park it for a while and might take later to a show if one pops up close by. Since my investment was not a large one I’m happy overall with what I got. I’m grateful for all the advice and responses. This is one of the best boards I visited.