Prewar70

Bob I think you’re mixing this sword with the other one that was with Darcy

Yes that is the sword that sparked the question.

Darcy, In my mind, possible condition issue(s) or not, something this rare and never before seen in the market, I'm guessing caused a stir. Is it possible to describe the reactions by those who saw and examined it? What were some of the comments and discussions? There has to be collectors in nihonto that appreciate and value rarity in some proportion to condition. In any condition this sword is a mind blower. How often does an opportunity like this come along to a collector at this level? For arguments sake, let's say the hamon does skip and isn't visible in a section. That affects price and papers, BUT, it's still an incredible find. I would think collectors would still be tripping over themselves for a chance to put it in their collection. Anyways, I'm rambling, this story and journey is just amazing to me and I feel like I've had a front row seat. Thank you

Jussi, to answer your question, yes.

Any pictures that can be shared? Shirasaya and sayagaki by Tanobe sensei?

You have purchased three swords that already had NBTHK papers and you disagreed with those, resubmitted, and received new attributions that matched your conclusions? All from NBTHK? Am I understanding you correctly?

Chris and Jussi your statements make the most sense to me. Buy the sword not the paper as I said before doesn't resonate with me. Of course I'm going to buy a sword that I like but I'd also like to know what I'm getting and try my best to not overpay. I don't want a surprise. I was looking at a particular sword for sale here in the US that was very appealing to me, and had NTHK papers. I thought if I buy that sword I'd like to send it to Japan for NBTHK Shinsa which got me to thinking, crap, what if it failed? Or what if it came back with a different attribution? Did I lose value in my purchase if there was a different result and what if I sold it later, only I would know the differing Shinsa result. Lot's of what ifs and I am very much a novice so I wanted to get the forums thoughts. NTHK comes to US, so that makes it much easier and less costly and time consuming then sending swords to Japan, that I understand. Maybe at some lower price my conscious would be ok with the US Shinsa papers. But if I was parting with my hard earned 15k I would want NBTHK to agree with what I'm buying. Maybe the seller would agree to a guarantee, I don't know. I didn't mean to turn this into which is better, I hope that makes sense.

That question doesn't make any sense to me. No need to explain, I just don't agree with it as it makes sense to have both of course.

Just to clarify, not old "green" papers, but current NTHK-NPO papers. Just so we're on the same page. Maybe the question is out of line, sensitive at least, but curious none the less.

I understand that NTHK and NBTHK can arrive at different conclusions. Would you spend $15k on a signed blade with NTHK papers only or would you want to get NBTHK's results too?

Thank you for the help it’s much appreciated

Saw this at the show today unfortunately it has been a lot of time with the buffing wheel. Fittings were OK. Any help with the signature would be appreciated thank you.

Pictures?!

Darcy can you speculate what type of family owned a blade of this importance? When I read about the koto blades on your site the history of Daimyo ownership is particularly interesting. I’d think that a signed ubu Tachi like this had to have been owned by important families. Is it possible to research if this sword is named or mentioned in any texts or ceremonies as gifts?

Gimei or not that blade is in sad shape

Beautiful. What is going on with the condition of the nakago.

Why does a sword of this age, which has been greatly shortened (now 24.5 in), still retain a signature?

I was looking at this last night. I am not a fan of flashy koshirae. I’d sell the koshirae, I wonder how much of the cost could be recouped? A sword like this seems perfectly elegant in shirasaya.

I think you'll get better results oiling the shaft and letting it slowly soak into your nuts, for those really stubborn ones....

Pull that handle! Pull that handle! Pull that handle!

Seems like this is a perfect example of what you and Ray are talking about as well as an illustration of what Darcy explains. https://www.aoijapan.net/katana-izumi-kami-kunisada-inoue-shinkai/

It looks like the nakago has been cleaned some?

I'm a neophyte, but what Darcy says makes perfect sense to me. I think our egos get in the way. THe additional commentary on Hozon vs. TH is interesting too in regards to western v. Eastern views. After reading this again I opened up AOI and saw these two swords. Obviously in Japan, good schools, old, so, why TH? Darcy I'm curious, what are your thoughts? Juyo candidates, or already tried and not Juyo material so get TH papers and off to a home in the states? If you would submit to Juyo, why TH papers? https://www.aoijapan.com/katana-bizen-sukeyori/ https://www.aoijapan.com/katana-mumei-uda-kunifusa/

Wondering if anyone can tell me age or school and if it looks like decent quality or run of the mill. I thought it was interesting. Thank you

Luis, you may be right but I'm not following your train of thought. It's not the same smith or school, but you're suggesting that they way the mei is cut can lend it to a time period? Help me understand