Old Sword- Assistance Please

[FIGHTENIRISH35]

Greetings Everybody . I have the chance to purchase two Japanese swords today. One sword has kanji on the tang. There is another sword I'm curious about. I've heard that two holes on the tang usually means older sword. Is it possible to tell how old this sword might be. I can't get the handle off here unless I use some power or by tapping it a little bit and do not want to do that in front of auctioneers. From the pictures provided can you tell me anything about this sword. The blade has a very nice temper line but has a few dry rust spots I believe. Thank you very much for anything information. Also providing a photo of tang of the ww2 sword for possible translation of smith. Thank you so much for any help and knowledge here.

Kind regards,Michael

[cabowen]

The sword on the left is indeed older. Can't say with any accuracy just how old from the photos but at least Shinto I would think. The one on the right is a Showa-to (note stamp) made by Ido Hidetoshi. WWII vintage.

[Brian]

2 Holes does not make it older though...just means it was remounted. You get WW2 swords with 2 holes and old swords with one.

Better to see if they are drilled or punched. Punched would indicate earlier swords. Extra holes are not a desired feature, and the younger the sword the less desirable they are.

 

Brian

[FIGHTENIRISH35]

Thank you very much fellas. I was able to research the smith a bit so nice to know what I am going after now.

I wish there was a way to takd better pictures of the two holed sword but that is all I have for now.

[FIGHTENIRISH35]

Shinto period is pre 1800 correct? I wasn't exclecting to hear it could be that old. The condition and blade temper line is very nice.

[Gunome]

Shinto period is pre 1800 correct?

yes

[jason_mazzy]

What is the price as that could sway the opinion heavily.

[FIGHTENIRISH35]

Sadly I was not able to get it. I went up to 1,000 at auction for both swords. It sold slightly more than 1,000.I was really hoping to add an older blade to my collection.