Esteemed colleagues!
If I am breaking protocol, or am in the wrong place, I would appreciate your kindness in redirecting me.
I’m seeking your expert opinion on a Japanese wakizashi sword I inherited from my late father. The sword is signed with the mei "Taka A Mune" and has a 17-inch blade. Based on its signature and characteristics, it seems to date back to either the Edo period or the Showa period.
Here are the details I have gathered about the sword:
Blade Length: 17 inches
Tang Length: 4 inches
Signature: "Taka A Mune" (located on the tang)
Condition: Light oxidation on the blade, handle in good condition with signs of age, no major damage
Handle: Ray-skin (samegawa), simple iron tsuba
Provenance: Inherited, possibly collected post-WWII
Questions:
Authenticity: Does anyone recognize the signature “Taka A Mune”? Could it be a known swordsmith, and how rare is this signature?
Value: Given the blade length and condition, what would be a reasonable market value for this sword? Would it fetch a higher value if appraised by a professional?
Sale: If anyone has experience selling similar pieces, do you recommend any specific auction houses or dealers who specialize in Japanese swords?
I’d greatly appreciate your insights and any advice on how to proceed with evaluating or selling the sword.
Thank you in advance for your time and expertise!
Best regards,
Garrett Pettingell
