Prewar70

I have for discussion a Bishu Osafune Kiyomitsu. I have many questions. Overall it is a very pleasing package to me, otherwise I wouldn't have bought it! Nagasa is a touch of 28", 71 cm. Ubu to me with one ana, drilled not punched. Nicely cut mei and well finished nakago. The blade has nice sori and extended, chu?, kissaki. Choji hamo and I can see good activity, if in polish there would be lots to see. Bright and clear nioiguchi. The hada is hard to make out but seems very small and tight. What makes me very happy too is that there are no forging flaws visible, no openings, even in the shinogi. So in my amateur eyes, it presents as a well made sword in good condition. The fittings also add to the package. They look like they've been together for a long time. I am not sure of the style but appear made of copper. The tsuba shape and work with dragons fit nicely. The seppa do not fit and must be later additions. The menuki I got curious about, because I figured they were brass or some other alloy but the lack of tarnish and a voice in the back of my head saying maybe they're gold kept bugging me. SO I took the tsuka to my jewelry story where they tested the menuki in as many spots as we could get the right angle with the radar gun and they came back around 17-17.5 gold. Not sure if it's solid without removing them which I don't plan on doing. So many smiths in the Kiyomitsu lineage. My guess is Muromachi era??. I read a lot about Bizen produced swords, custom made vs mass production. This sword would fall into the characteristics of mass produced, signed Bishu not Bizen, and undated. But the sword doesn't look mass produced. So I'm curious what folks think I have here. Thank you very much for your time and interest.

Hi Bruce, I believe the mounts are Kyu Gunto maybe type 19. Very basic

Kunishige? It is a nicely forged Wakizashi with a very distinct hamon. Of course I’m wondering if anybody is familiar with the Smith and school and any information you could provide or direction to point me in thank you.

Now that I think about it, I’ve seen auction houses that sell anything and everything take better detailed pictures of Japanese swords

I requested better pictures showing detail, but it was suggested that I see the blade in person. That is unfortunate as I’m sure they are capable and most likely confirms that the blade is very tired, and therefore not in line with the price.

Good points. I requested detailed pics.

It’s in the link. 1.3m yen

https://sanmei.com/contents/media/F2339_S1495_PUP_E.html I think this is a beautiful sword. It does not seem too unfairly priced but yet it is not sold. I am only an amateur with thoughts that I’ve crossed my mind that may be holding it back is it’s length. Is this also a den attribution? the Hon’ami papers are nice and it is unfortunate that the sword got separated from it Sayagaki. Being in Japan, I’m sure it has been submitted to juyo but not passed. that is probably a reasonable assumption? Anyways, I think it is very attractive with no obvious flaws.

Steve thank you for taking the time to help me out. Much appreciated

I tossed a bid on a recent auction and ended up buying. I like it, it's very nice to my eyes. Hoping someone can assist with the translation. Many thanks.

That is beautiful

Great overall shape and lovely kissaki

Colin, I suggest you make a doctors appointment immediately to dislodge the horseshoe wedged in your arse.

Holy s**t. That is beautiful. What a nakago.