Andrew G

Hi all! I took my sword to a polisher for some feedback on restoration and I found out that the Fuchi, Kashira, and Menuki are missing from my sword. I'm looking to source some that are appropriate for the time period (made in 1824 by Miyoshi Masanaga), however with no shows in the near future, finding a set that fits is rather difficult. We are also trying to figure out what those pieces with jagged edges are sandwiching the Tsuba (one is on the other side not visible) Does anyone have any suggestions? The measurements for the wood supporting the Kashira are 32.4mm x 13.5mm x 7.5mm. The wood for the Fuchi measures 33.5mm x 16.6mm x 11.1mm. If there is someone local to the Southwest, I could pay a visit if they have many we could test fit.

I finally got the sword from my dad. I'm going to take it to a few polishers for evaluation. Anyone know where I can get a good (or custom) mount for displaying the sword? Anyone know where I could get new furniture made for it?

No I don't mind at all. I'm not sure how to do that though. You have my permission to take them and upload them.

Never ruin a good story for the sake of the truth! So I did some more research and I found some letters my grandfather wrote home. Not I have direct evidence on how he acquired the sword. Turns out he bought it off of some guy in Tokyo. Here is a link to the letter: https://www.dropbox.com/s/8as6dj9fep0nba8/Sword_Letter.PDF?dl=0

Thanks, I’m not a collector at all.

Anyone know any information on the Samurai who tested the sword ( San Jito Mitsoyoshi) in 1858?

See this link to a .pdf documenting what I've done so far. This is more to keep the family updated for the moment, but I will use the information eventually for the display frame.

Yes, This was my plan, let me know your suggestions. I was going to have it polished (still trying to find the right person). Possibly apply new furniture and keep the old worn our furniture. Display the polished blade on a mount with a framed letter from my grandfather explaining how he obtained it. Another framed piece describing its history and the translation of the handle. And the old furniture displayed mounted below in a plexiglass case. I can’t control the future of it beyond my ownership, but if I can make it a nice display piece it will be useful for future generations and adding the documentation will hopefully keep the history straight. I don’t mind putting some money into it to make it a priceless family piece.

You seem really upset I wouldn’t sell you my family heirloom. So sad

Thanks I was just wondering how secure to keep it. Seems like it doesn't need to be in a safe, just in a safe dry place. Thanks for the info, I will contact Woody.

I'm not looking to sell but what would a reasonable value be?

Thank you all for the help. I added my name. I would like to find out more about the swordsmith and possibly the owner. If we can find a credible source for the last owners family we would return it to them.

Can you help me identify this sword? I never knew my grandfather but I was told he took this off of a dead Japanese soldier in Okinawa Japan. He brought it back when he came home and it has been with our family ever since. Here are some photos: https://imgur.com/a/B3rHENZ https://imgur.com/gallery/1JGkyrl