SPM

Wow okay lots to consider now and thank you everyone for your input, I appreciate that the knowledge required to fully appreciate the skill involved and history of Japanese sword making eludes me as yet and possibly always will. Yes I am influenced by the Koshirae when I look it completes my desire in a sword but is not a deal breaker. Being Mihara school era is not a requirement for me I am open to different eras but antiques and history and the associated romance is where my interest lies. Finally if only I was fluent in Japanese and had very deep pockets it would make all of this a lot easier, sadly my tired middle aged mind is no longer sharp enough for the challenge. I will continue my search for a Tanto and reflect on the wealth of experience gifted to me in these replies obviously I need to spend a lot more time on this bleeping computer searching and learning, RIP my eyesight. Thank you everyone for your feedback it has been truly appreciated and hopefully any input in the future from me will come with a touch of wisdom fingers crossed. All the best to you all. Regards Steve

Thanks for all the information everyone and links it is truly appreciated. Rivkin "Tired and simple Muromachi piece with part modern koshirae" I take it that means from your perspective this is a Tanto that should be avoided. Would you mind elaborating further so I can try and understand your appraisal, I was aware it was overpriced but it didn't look like it was poor quality workmanship to me but maybe I am blinded by my fascination with ancient Japanese culture. Hi Jord nice to meet a fellow Aussie online I'm not sure why I keep going back to it but the Tanto appeals to me for some reason.

Thanks for the reply John and a question as the tang has no markings when attributed during Shinsa to the Sue Mihara era school is it possible this may not be accurate?

Thank you for the reply this is a video link which shows a better view of the blade, century old blades fascinate me along with the Japanese culture of the time. I knew the price was high after comparison with other Tantos and appreciate your input. Even on reputable sword sites I find it hard to understand price differences when comparing photos some look very similar to my poorly trained eye but prices can be very different. Living in Western Australia in the country it is impossible to view antique Japanese swords and the internet cannot replicate holding and appreciating the beauty of a 300 year old sword. Purchasing a $20000 sword online makes me feel very nervous at this stage so I will take small steps, I just don't want to feel like a fool when someone knowledgeable eventually scrutinizes my purchases. Regards Steve

No takers I know the Sue Mihara era swords are not considered highly desirable and the blade is a Mumei so probably less so. The Suguha hamon style appeals to me and the Hada appears to be Ko-Itame the polish looks okay and the Koshirae albeit not in great condition appeals as does the Tsuba. I know its Ebay and this is not a high quality Tanto but it has appeal to me. I have looked at Aoi Art and other sites for Tantos and comparisons but as a novice find it hard to distinguish if this blade is worthy of paying the money asked even with a NBTHK Hozon paper . As the old saying goes a fool and his money are easily parted and I do not wish to be a fool which seems easily for one to become when purchasing Japanese swords in the early stages of collecting.

Hello again to this forum this my second post and similar to my first I was wondering if I may once again ask for the opinion of this E bay Tanto and what would be a realistic price for such a Tanto. I have learnt a great deal from this forum and appreciate the knowledge and guidance shared by the members. My journey on Japanese sword knowledge is still in it's infancy but has come a long way since its birth. It is a tanto that has appeal to me but have nagging reservations but from what I can see the blade looks to be of quality. My interest is in century old swords. Any information appreciated. https://www.ebay.com...e:g:whwAAOSw0URg9rMl Regards Steve

From these replies I continue to learn so thank you again

Waki it is the dimensions given are Blade length: 49.6cm/ 19.56 inches Curvature: 0.9cm / 0.35 inches Total length: 70.0cm/ 27.55 inches Blade Weight: 469.0g Total Weight: 862.0g Age: Muromachi era Please enlighten me further on christian and excuse my ignorance I am in my infancy when it comes to understanding Japanese swords, my head is spinning trying to retain and organize all that I am learning.

Thank you all for the replies it has reassured me that I was not as foolish as I suspected I was. It certainly seemed to choose me after endless looking on sites all over the internet, I suspect I will be bitten by the collecting bug once I hold this sword. How many swords will be enough is now the worry. Regards Steve

Hello to all from Western Australia and thank you for the informative forum I am new to Japanese swords and have been trying to educate myself on the subject through a variety of sources which is an ongoing process I imagine till the day one dies. Anyway I made an impulse purchase for my first acquisition on eBay and yes I know my folly but anyway I was wondering if I could ask for help in the way of an experienced opinion of the sword, I have yet to hold this sword in my hand and after reading here about Tokubetsu kicho papers being dubious I have been wondering how silly I have been considering the price i paid $2800usd. Thank you in advance for any help and a very good day to you all. Steve