Katana - current values

[kissakai]

I put this katana on the NMB for the member’s comments

Generally the comments were fine, points were made about the kissikai, no suriage, beefy and very little wear or polishes, but I was given no indication of a date or school

I mainly collect tsuba so I’m hoping to put this on the ‘for sale section’

As I am not a sword collector I have no idea of it’s value so I’d like the members opinion on what would be a current fair price for this katana

I will try and get a better picture of the full hamon but I can say that it is pretty straight all along the edge

 

 

Dimensions

Length with koshirae is 99.5cm (39”)

Blade length is 91.3cm (36”)

Temper length is 69.9cm (27½“)

Sori is 1.2cm (½”)

Width is 3.3cm (1¼“)

Thickness is 0.7cm (¼“)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grev UK

[Jorgensen]

It looks like koto Bizen to me... But I may be wrong and also I will not indicate any price level for this...

[CSM101]

Okay, I will stick out my head.

 

The blade itself is Shinshinto or later, unsigned but polished. The mounting is complete but nothing special. No papers.

 

I would try and sell it to someone who is looking for a katana over the fireplace. A Karateka or Iaidoka. Maybe someone, who saw "Kill Bill" to often: "An unsigned Hattori Hanzo, you know.." Depending on how fast you want the money it would be something between 2.500 and 4.000 EUR. But closer to 2.500 EUR.

 

This is just an opinion. But a start at least.

 

 

Uwe G.

[paulb]

Hi Grev,

I think I am with Uwe on this one late sword with a modified/damaged nakago. The blade looks clean and in reasonable polish/condition with no faults. the koshirae while not special has a pleasant aged look to it. I think Uwe is also right about the target market, someone with an interest that wants an honest example.

Based on the softness of the current market I think the lower end of Uwes estimate ie around €2500 or £2000 is about right. Anything more than tha you will be doing well.

Regards

Paul

[CSM101]

Hi Grev,

 

I know it is a little bit too late to organize something, but:

 

This weekend is Karate-EM in Konstanz/Bodensee. 250 starter and about 4.000 viewer. That would be the place...

 

Otherwise you can give your sword to dealer who sells you sword on commission. That means 15 % for the dealer. Usually.

 

I hope, this will help you.

 

Greetings

 

Uwe G.

[Jacques]

Hi,

 

Pretty tired...

[Alex A]

Hi Grev, i would take the sword to a dealer for a valuation, unless your after a quick sale, most dealers would need to see the sword in hand anyway to be more accurate. Collecting tsuba, im sure you must know of a few, if not i can recommend one or two in the uk. Asking potential customers on here for a valuation is a bit like walking through a wolf infested forest banging a dinner gong . I like the look of the blade, allthough a tired nikago, as stated.

 

Alex.

[paulb]

Dear Grev and Alex,

At risk of sounding a little over defensive can I confirm that I have absolutely no interest in buying your sword and my attempt at valueing it was triggered by a request for help rather than any form af canine lust for your blade.

I think the vast majority here would try and give you an honest opinion (but opinion is all it will be) rather than trying to mislead you to make a fast buck

Back to the woods for me

[Alex A]

Hi Paul. sorry if you think my post was aimed at you or anyone else in this thread, it surely was not. If i was to sell this sword on here i would have got an independent valuation first. To ask for a valuation on this site is in no doubt going to lead to numerous opinions, all different, and more than likely offence. Allthough people are honest on here, sometimes the way they word there opinions can offend, obviously non intentional, but true. I wasnt talking about any opinions above, just opinions that are likely to appear.

 

Alex.

[paulb]

no problem Alex for a few seconds I enjoyed the thought of being considered a hungry wolf albeit unintentional

[kissakai]

Hi and thanks for all your help

 

I know it may have not been the best place to ask for a valuation but how do I know if a dealer would give me a fair price so I’m more comfortable asking the NMB members

I can see it to be worth around €2500 or £2000

 

I have no real idea of price so if a dealer offered me €1500 how could I know if this was correct?

Also if I had put it on the HMB for €4000 I’d have looked either like an idiot or money grabber.

All I was after was a fair price and I’m sure I have it

 

Initially I will put it on the NMB for €2250 + P&P

Then if there are no takers it will go on EBay for around €3000

 

One more request

If it goes on EBay I would state (with the catch all – ‘in my opinion’):

Made around 1800

Good polish

No flaws (kizu)

Pleasant koshirae with some age

 

Would anybody like to have a stab at the school or style as it would help me if it goes on EBay?

 

 

I’m glad I put it up for discussion and feel much happier now I’ve done it

Grev UK

[Alex A]

Hi Grev, i understand your point. A valuation and estimation paper is what i had in mind, not a purchase from the dealer.

Alex.

[Jiro49]

Deleted since it is listed for sale here now...

 

Respectfully,