Chris A

Yes I agree. She declined, and wanted to see in person. However, what got me fired up was comments from a very well known sword polisher. We all hope for the find of a lifetime, so now, it is a piece to look at, and wonder about. The well known polisher stated it should be returned to his descendants. That is not out of the question either. However, for now- I feel privileged to have discovered that it is not just a piece of 20 dollar junk, as it was once thought. And, I made my Father’s Day...That is what is important. Perhaps, this is the start of my collection? I must admit, I may have been indoctrinated. And I could not have done all this without the members of this awesome forum. So again, Thanks Everybody.

Again, I wish to thank everyone. A very knowledgeable gentleman, with impeccable background (a PHD ) was kind enough to take the time and give me an evaluation. I will leave his name out, out of respect of privacy, unless he chooses otherwise. I called his association- turns out he is also a member here. I owe many thanks to him, certainly. His evaluation, so very well written, follows.... “ Okay, Chris, looking at the photos from the link, you have what's called a wakizashi, which is a Japanese blade between 12"-24" long on the hacho, the cutting edge. The sugata, or overall shape looks to be Kanbun-Shinto, which is mid-1600s. Looking at the nakago, the mekugiana, or hole, has been drilled, rather than chiseled, which, again, puts the time of its manufacture after 1600. From the amount of rust on the blade, I doubt that more photos will tell me very much, to be honest. I just checked on the mei & see that you've already contacted the Nihonto Message Board, where I'm a member. The Mutsu-no-kami Yoshiyuki signature can be seen at ( https://nihontoclub.com/smiths/YOS1044),& there might be some history around the blade IF the signature is valid. The problem is, quite simply, that the blade would first need to be professionally polished, at around $100/inch. Then it would need a new habaki that fits in the blade in front of the nakago, which adds about $350, plus a new shirasaya, or wooden storage case, $400, So, now the wakizashi is prepared, you would send it off to Japan to the NBTHK shinsa, which would authenticate the blade, adding several hundred dollars for the agent to handle the blade's transfer, plus anywhere from $100-$350 for the authentication. Then you would know if your blade was really made by Yoshiyuki...& the blade would probably have a market value of about $1200, depending on whether there are any major flaws that show up during polishing. Supposedly, a blade made by that smith was used by a famous Japanese statesman, Sakamoto Ryoma, during a fight that killed him, but the actual blade is in a Kyoto museum. So, my professional opinion is to just put some penetrating oil on the blade, & let it soak with a towel wrapped around it. Some of the rust should come off, so it will look cleaner, but you'll never get a clean-looking blade without having it polished, & it just doesn't look like it's worth the money.” Again, I am so appreciative.

I thank you Bruce. Still trying to breathe here, and moving very carefully. Conferring with family after while. My guess is one of us will be going out of state for a few days for an appraisal. Mailing may be a less expensive option. This is why I would like to know what potential value could be.

I want to personally thank everyone that has been helping me here. It appears that we have much more than just a blade. Indications of authenticity and ideas have been presented that we are in possession of a cultural treasure. Let me ask you guys....What would You do if you were in my shoes? How would you proceed? Would I be wrong in asking, if authentic, what the value of this Japanese Sword would be? As I stated, I believe now that it is worth more than money. Still, I have to ask....What Do I do now?

Sending in the mail? Well, I am hesitant to do that at this moment. A trip there may be required however. Likely scenario.

Thank you Shugyosha. I am so intrigued. I am trying to find an appraiser here in Alaska, no luck as of yet. A Dr Lori, who advertises online appraisals, declined to do an online appraisal, wants to see this Sword in person. So. Back to square one. If anyone has a listing for a collector or appraiser in Alaska, Anchorage area, please share with me. I am on a mission of authentification for this blade. My business does not permit me to just get on a plane and fly out to the Lower 48, unfortunately. Back to google, looking for an expert here in Alaska....

Having it appraised, from the link given above. I will keep you posted.

A couple months ago, while my father was checking in on his business in Alabama, a country boy , who was tearing down an old barn, found this embedded in the dirt, and asked my father if he wanted it for 20 dollars. He bought it . Wow.....everything looks as if it might be....man if it is....

Steve, I am getting mixed results when I search this name. What period would this piece possibly be from? Can you direct me to a bibliography of this gentleman? Wow...if what I am reading is what we have.....Yes, it was a real barn find....buried in the dirt.

Thanks Steve, I am really grateful for everybody.s help and advice.

Thanks for viewing, along with the swords is a Japanese Medal collection, along with the medals were two small inscribed ivory cups, can someone interpret or tell me what these are? https://photos.app.goo.gl/919LYRCg9L2fmuta8

This is the mystery Sword. Ceremonial.? A child’s model? Researching this one as well. Also, appears to have been polished. https://photos.app.goo.gl/Et8Vbu5ocy53U79N9

There are two more swords, that are not Japanese, perhaps it is ok to post links on these two? https://photos.app.goo.gl/8sdHXJnhmHeB6r6s8 I feel this Sword was once valuable, however I see no patina or aging and it appears to me that it unfortunately, has been polished.

Thanks Steve , the interpretation is intriguing....to say the least. This blade, like I said, was found in the earthen floor of an old barn in Alabama. My father gave a twenty dollar bill for it...he was fortunate ,it seems. And that is what the guy that found it wanted for it. So yeah, it needs to be restored, in my opinion. Perhaps a recommendation can be made as to who can do this correctly? One more question regarding Sword #3 , what do the gold emblems indicate? Grey, I also am appreciative of your advice as well. Taking it real slow...as you suggest. I have some reading to do, and I will take a triple take on this read.and yes, this is all fascinating to me.

Thank you Rayhan....I will take this step and photograph. This is very informative. It might take me a day or two to be comfortable in doing this. Studying it carefully.