17th c. Munekage

[Rmueller9]

Retired, looking to sell it. I would appreciate advice on quality and value. Rich

[Geraint]

Dear Rich,

 

Nice sword, (nice array of chisels too!).  Just to help things along some overall dimensions would be useful, especially length from tip to notch.

 

All the best.

[Rmueller9]

22” from tip to leading edge of silver piece in front of tsuba

[Surfson]

Hi Rich.  

It appears to be a nice authentic samurai wakizashi.  The letter from Tanobe San is notable, as he has been the leader of sword appraisal for the last several decades.  From a distance, I assume from looking only at photos, he seems to be stating that it is genuine.  This is not the same as having authentication papers from one of the sword appraisal societies (NBTHK or NTHK or NTHK-NPO), and doesn't guarantee that it will receive papers, but it is very helpful.  

 

The value of the sword would be increased somewhat by submission to shinsa and receipt of papers, but the letter makes that less pressing as most collectors would accept the letter as being very positive.  It seems that the sword is in a decent state of preservation with a polish that allows some appreciation of the blade. It has some active rust and rust damage on the end of the tang.  The mounts are unremarkable but appear to be all there and the scabbard (saya) appears to be undamaged.  

 

I claim no special appraising expertise and am not a sword dealer, but often requests for value of swords go unanswered here.  I would think that if you put it on ebay it would sell at the lower end of the $1000-2000 range.  Cheers, bob

[BjornLundin]

Oftopic, but how did you send a request of signature authentication?

[Rmueller9]

I received the authentication paper from the previous owner. I have no idea how he obtained it.

[Surfson]

He probably sent Tanobe San either a rubbing or photos.   Apparently he is very busy these days working on a book project of some sort and is less available.  Also, I think that he was President of the NBTHK at that time (not 100% sure), so he was very responsive to requests.  

[Babu]

I would suggest offering it on here first as ebay fees can be high. Especially if PayPal is Used.You may need to offer an inspection period or produce far better images and a return policy.

Ebay has risk of rejection as well.

If you place a figure you would be happy with you will at least get feedback or a sale. It's not going to be an expensive sword, but it's worth is, as always, what someone is willing to pay for it.

[vajo]

It's sad that he blackned his name on the letter. The letter itself will get some value over the time, because it is an appraisal.

[Babu]

Fingers crossed the OP photocopied the original and left the appraisal itself intact.

[DoTanuki yokai]

Actually i can read what is blackend. My Contrast is set too high i think :D