HI folks. I’m here, as many, to find out more information on a sword that has been in the family a number of years. My parents used the sword to cut their wedding cake in 1952. It came into my possession a couple of years ago and I am finally finding the time to do some research on it. I’ve always been told the sword was from my Dad’s side of the family, and a family friend says it was my great-grandfather’s sword. Alas, there is nobody alive to know the absolute truth anymore. Even if it was my grandfather’s it would predate WWII since he died in the early 30’s.
That side of the family came to Canada from Ireland in 1907. I suspect the sword came with them at that time. Mainly because I have a hard time figuring out where they would find this sword in small town prairie Canada in the early 1900’s. The impetus for finding out more about the sword came when I decided I wanted to display the sword properly, but needed to know more about it to determine what the standard is for display. I’m also just very curious. All the time I was growing up, the sword sat under our basement steps – cool, dry, albeit dusty. At some point in time the sword went to my brother, who had it sitting in his office – cool, dry, not dusty. Then it came to me a couple of years ago.
I don’t know a lot about swords but have been cruising the web to find more information, and came across the NMB and realized the wealth of experience and knowledge the people here have. I did lurk for awhile until I figured out what would be required for an identification. As it turns out, the pin was missing from my handle, so the handle was easily removed to view the tang (apologies if I get any of the terminologies wrong). There is no signature on the tang (I tried the talc powder trick as well). The saya is lacquered wood. No cords attached. The sword total length is approx 27.5”. The blade length from the tsuba is 20.5”. The tsuba appears to be a heavier metal (iron mix?) with what appears to be brass inset pattern of leaves and vines. It has no signature (that I can see). The Kashira is an ornate flower pattern. The fuchi is a matching ornate flower pattern. On the tang are two holes as well as a third hole, which appears to have been plugged up with metal. The menuki are hard to see, but appear to be dragons. The wrappings on the handle appear to be in good condition, in that they are not frayed at all and are nice and tight, albeit maybe stained. There appears to be a proper hamon and yokote.
Condition problems include some pitting on the blade, the missing pin, the possibly stained wrapping on the handle, a small gap in the seam of the ray skin (same?) wrap, some missing inlay on the tsuba. As well, the saya does not have an end cap. I don’t know if there ever was one there, I can’t tell by looking at it.
I’m assuming this is a decent condition, reasonably old katana and I THINK it’s authentic. But I really don’t know. Any information on this sword would be greatly appreciated. Any value is for interest – unlikely to sell it as it has some sentimental value. I have taken and posted pictures at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/snorkelgee ... 752547783/
Apologies about some of the photos – new camera, still learning! If any other photos are needed, let me know. Please also correct me on any misuses of terminology. And since I didn’t buy this, don’t have to tell you guys to be brutally honest!
Brenda P
