Lewis B

Can you post a pic of the nakago perpendicular and vertical without flash or bright light. The pic in the first post is deceptive due to the lighting used. The color of the Nakago should give an idea when it was shortened. Also regarding the mekugi there are usually telltale signs inside the hole to say if its punched as its a 2 step process involving the hammering of a punch from both sides.

Well having been through the process last month I was a bit shocked when the dealer said the sword was ready to ship 3 weeks after the export license was requested.

3rd one is especially good. I like how the artist has integrated the headstock into the composition.

Yes, I believe the tooling needed for drilling was available in the Edo period.

As Jussi said, an interesting looking blade. Needs a lot less oil though. Mekugi appears punched and not drilled.

I finally have the sword in my possession and this is a good example of a blade that has to be appreciated in hand. The photos don't really show the hataraki and nie too well and the forging is so fine a macro lens is going to be needed to do it justice. I will try my best when the lighting is good. Photos don't give an impression of dimensions so here are the specs Nagasa: 62.3cm Sori: 1.3cm Motohaba: 2.57cm Sakihaba: 1.61cm Kasane at the mune: 0.57cm Kasane at the shinogi: 0.72cm Sakikasane: 0.46cm Kissaki: 2.7cm Tanobe sensei politely called it "a slender and delicate shape". At 447g it feels very functional for wielding one handed. What can be inferred from these measurements? Was a slim, lightweight blade with a nagasa close to the minimal length for a katana popular in certain eras (originally close to 74cm per the dealer)? This sugata seemed more common in the Heian/Kamakura periods rather than the Nanbokucho. I found an oshigata for a beautiful Juyo Go Yoshihiro. I believe this was sold by Darcy. The features that I immediately noticed were the ichimai boshi with hakikake and the prematurely ending bo-hi at the kissaki (similar feature on my blade). The hataraki is on a whole different level on this blade, and really illustrates that even though his career was short-lived, his style evolved noticeably, adopting more Soshu style character.

I think Jussi's question was rhetorical. If the Nakago only has one hole and its o-suriage it is interesting to contemplate what the original length might have been, without obviously knowing for sure. The Senjuin in the FS section also has one mekugi and is o-suriage. The same question could be posed for that too. Knowing the period the blade was made and Gokaden you might get an idea from the curvature and position of the curves center.

I will be adding details and some photos soon on the thread I use for discussing the blades I own. What I can say is that its a fascinating blade with clear roots in both Yamato and Soshu-den. Masame hada, high and wide shinogi being the Yamato traits with abundant Ji-nie and chikei and consistent fine ara-nie along the hamon, which also has strong kinsuji and sunagashi activity. Very tight Itame-hada mixed with the Masame and some angular Mokume in places. Sugata is curious. More to follow on the other thread.

ooops. I was drooling (figuratively, not literally :)) over my new 'Senjuin' which arrived yesterday and was a little distracted when I wrote that. Of course, Shirasaya.

Is it in koshirae or sayagaki?

Yes, but which smith and/or school? Any pics of the sugata and boshi?

I would say based solely on those images is that the line is a scratch or more likely an abrasion possibly inflicted by careless use of a saya. What is the length of the Nagasa? Might help determine is suriage or o-suriage. What/who did the NBTHK paper it to?

I found one but this has Mei so I guess that makes all the difference? Since there were 17 generations does the Mei narrow it down and this in essence, promotes the blade to TH? https://sword-auction.com/en/product/13200/as22272-脇差：冬廣作（特別保存刀剣）/

For such a large Koto blade, and supposedly flawless, I find it a little odd to only have Hozon. I've seen far worse looking TH blades from that era. On closer inspection the nakago shinogi looks weirdly irregular, something I've not seen before? What could cause that? Hamfisted swordsmith who performed the suriage, fire damage or..?

Yes I think I found it. Sold a couple of months ago https://www.instagra...SkjuVPB/?img_index=1

Abura?

Also remember UK is a 3rd country now so UPS will process import duties and VAT for a shipment from France. Hopefully getting the correct 5% VAT applied for antiques will be easier for you than it's appearing to be here in Germany. My last purchase is sitting in the EMS/DHL hub waiting for a 21% VAT payment. Once paid I can start a claim for an incorrect tax levy, which should be 7% for antiques over 100 years old. Fingers crossed.

Minority Report is becoming a reality.

Good point. I get the impression it can be a bit of a crap shoot. Timing is important and any info gleaned that might improve your chances should be carefully weighed. The low pass rate is certainly a big one and knowing Yamato swords have a tough time passing anyway isn't confidence inspiring. Less of an issue if the blade is in Japan but when you have to send it from outside the country the costs of courier, handler in Japan and registration, costs quickly add up. Based on the info available as of today I would not submit in 2025.

25th Juyo (1975) Session wasn't the most auspicious year, with 10x as many passing than in 2023.

Nice couple of blades. I assume neither have papers which would be odd given they are relatively recent purchases by the deceased owner vs WWII bring backs. The Gunome Hamon is not a recognised Norishige feature from my limited studies and the Mei doesn't convince either. But interesting fittings and low purchase price means its not a disaster if gimei. The Kuniyoshi will be a good one to untangle. Lots of potential there.

And sold for almost $38,000 with 250 bids. I hope whoever won the auction pays with a credit card.

Yes, that appears exceptionally low rate of pass. Could have been the blades not being worthy last year and/or particularly strict. It will be interesting to compare with 2024 stats to see if it's the start of a trend.

OK, I saw the additional photos of the Nakago of the Go and the Awataguchi. The patina on the Nakago is suspiciously similar on both blades, suggesting a treatment to imitate the patina post modification. Finer details in the oshigata are not replicated on the surface either. Overall a very convincing deception at first glance. Some serious fraud is being perpetuated.

And the 6th