Tsunbo Nagatsuna?

[Surfson]

Recent ebay auction sword.  One of Shodai Tadatsuna's famous students was Sesshu Nagatsuna, who apparently was deaf and carried the name "tsunbo", meaning deaf.  I have studied this mei a bit with the examples I have and think it has a 50:50 chance to be shoshin.  I would be interested to hear what others think.  Sorry about the photo, which has a lot of foreshortening due to the angle of the shot.  Cheers, Bob

 

[Lee Bray]

I don't know Nagatsuna but Tadatsuna was known for centering his kanji on the shinogi, as does this mei, so that would be one tick from me.

[TheGermanBastard]

I think it has a fair chance. Not bad for sure at what you paid ... I have seen a lot of good Tadatsuna Gimei. For his students I would expect changes to be smaller of being Gimei. Please let us know how it turns out. I would think It will paper.

[Surfson]

That's encouraging Luis.  I am even hopeful that the mounts will turn out to be something good - can't really tell from the photos, but the handle has super large knob same, which is usually a good indicator of quality.  I'm hoping that it is in choji and worth having a polish.  He is jo-saku and 60 points in Hawley's.  Did you see it or bid on it?  I forgot to provide the link, but here it is.  Cheers, Bob

http://www.ebay.com/itm/antique-Japanese-samurai-wakizashi-katana-sword-/292241872087?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&nma=true&si=aFXedFOnG%252BtinaMi%252FYembYM3EcI%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

[TheGermanBastard]

Hello Bob, yes I did see it and consider bidding but having too many Wakizashi in my collection I did not participate. The mounts are solid iny my humble oppinion. I like the Tsuka and its Kodugu. The Tsuba is average. I agree on the same. I beleive it is an interesting blade that I woild love to hear wha it turns out like. I keep my fingers crossed it has a nice Hamon.

[Surfson]

I will let you know as soon as I get it Luis.  If it is in the choji that he is known for, I will certainly submit it to the Chicago NTHK-NPO shinsa coming up.  Cheers, Bob

[cisco-san]

Hi Bob,

 

for comparison the Mei:

https://www.aoijapan.net/katana-sesshu-ju-fujiwara-nagatsuna/

[Surfson]

I have received the sword and am essentially content, thought there are some issues.  It is bent and I can't see the hamon due to the whole surface being scratched up.  I have concluded that the sword on balance is quite healthy and want to submit it to shinsa.  Any suggestions how I might get a peek at the hamon without sending it to a togishi for a window?  Is there a non destructive way to do this that somebody can suggest?  Cheers, Bob

[Brian]

Besides uchiko'ing the heck out of it..nope.
Nothing that doesn't involve bad stuff that is one or other form of acid.

[Stephen]

first blush it looks like worthy candidate for restoration, id pop for a window before Chicago, he should be able to straighten it out too. 

[TheGermanBastard]

PM sent

[Ken-Hawaii]

 

It is bent and I can't see the hamon due to the whole surface being scratched up.  I have concluded that the sword on balance is quite healthy and want to submit it to shinsa.

Robert, I hope you're aware that unless your blade is in polish, sending it to shinsa doesn't make any sense, as they won't even consider it.

 

Ken

 

[Brian]

Ken,
Clarify "in polish"
It doesn't have to be "in polish" but it should have the hamon and probably some hada visible. Does not have to be in full polish. But if the hamon isn't visible then it likely won't pass due to condition.

[Stephen]

Yes ive seen out of polish but with window pass

[Surfson]

I will see if I can clean it up enough, non destructively, to see if it is in choji or suguha.  My interest will be much higher if the former.