Photo Translation 1479 Sword

[Davin]

First story behind this sword... My uncle served in US army ww2. Mostly he didn't talk about it. A few years ago he began to open up about his experiences, but not all. We knew at some point during the war or after it when he served in Japan he somehow acquired a sword. Sadly he passed before he got the chance to tell us. With the sword there was some paperwork. Back in 1954 apparently he was thinking of selling it and had a friend of his do some research on it. The results appear to have been spectacular. I know nothing of samurai swords or anything about his friend who did the research or translation. I have found out there are a lot of fakes. My questions are is it real or at least appear authentic? Can anyone confirm the translation from 1954 correct and complete? Can anyone provide more information than what has been provided? How much do you think its worth and do you think I should get it professionally appraised? Personal information I have removed from 1 of the letters.

[Ray Singer]

Your sword is signed Bishu Osafune ju Morimitsu saku and is dated to the eight month of Bunmei 12 (1480). I do have some doubts about the authenticity of the signature.

 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bunmei

 

You can see some authentic examples from Bizen Morimitsu here.

 

https://www.aoijapan.net/?s=Morimitsu&x=0&y=0

[Brian]

It is a real Japanese sword. That doesn't mean the signature is genuine, many have fake signatures. But the sword itself is real. I will leave the translation to others more qualified, but would help if you could post some pics of the tang, instead of pics-of-pics.
Also need to know the blade length from tip to back notch at the brass collar. Need to know if it is a wakizashi or a katana.
The person who evaluated it way back when made one common mistake and that is the idea that age = desirability or value. A 1400's Japanese sword is not particularly rare, and could be a good sword or a poor one. Everything is based on the quality of the blade. Looks like a nice sword, but would need to be evaluated in hand to give you a decent idea of price.

[Davin]

Thanks for the responses. Sorry for the Pics of Pics. Reason for that is sword is currently at another family members house and I only have the paperwork. Plus another problem no one in my family knows how to get handle off LOL. with the exception of the picture of it on my couch all the rest are from 1954.

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Davin,

Here is a link to care and etiquette (it will tell you how to remove and replace the handle).  Please read it twice; it's important.

http://www.nbthk-ab.org/Etiquette.htm

This will take in hand examination by someone who knows Nihonto (and who is honest) before you'll have definite answers to your questions.

Grey