I Need Some Help And Advice On This Unknown Sword.

[Blakemck21]

Hello. I have an old sword brought back from WW2 by my grandfather. It is in poor condition due to being kept in a footlocker for 20 years in his storage unit in the North Carolina humidity. I’m not willing to clean it myself as I don’t want to do more damage to it. I’ve done some research on the internet but have come up empty handed. Can you tell me anything about it? I’ve been told it would be expensive to repair. Unfortunately I don’t have the funds to complete these repairs. I will most likely be open to selling it.

 

Blake M

[nagamaki - Franco]

Hello,

 

Quick assessment,

 

Wakizashi, (guessing) later Edo period judging from yasuri (file marks) on nakago that can be seen, looks ubu (unaltered), unsigned(?), civilian mounts, black lacquered scabbard, 2 piece habaki silver/gold foiled, shakudo leopard menuki (only 1 pictured), iron fuchi, kashira (not pictured), iron bat/moon motif tsuba. Unsigned Edo period wakizashi, unless the sword is of truly outstanding workmanship, it will result in a negative return in terms of cost of restoration. No obvious flaws.

 

Others may chime in with additional/different thoughts.

 

[TETSUGENDO]

+1 on Franco's remarks.  Blakemck21, please add your first name and last initial at the bottom of your post (board rules) so we can address you properly.  Also, welcome to NMB.

 

-S-

[Grey Doffin]

Hello,

You are smart not to attempt to clean the sword; more likely you will do damage than good.  Here is a care & etiquette page which you would be smart to read.

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

Grey

[Blakemck21]

Thanks y’all. I posted it under a Facebook group and was referred to Woody Hall. This is what he said.

 

Hello sir. Yes, the blade looks to be probably of the mid shinto era, (1650-1750’s) The shape of the tang denotes probably of a Mino or Kaga smith. If there is any inscription that would tell more. Also the the type of temper line would tell more of what era and smiths made it.

 

The handle is a Higo mounting from Kumamoto in Kyushu. They were noted for the type of fuchi kashira fittings (collar and pommel) that is of iron (from about 1750-1850) and lacquered leather or lacquered hemp cloth wrap.

 

Yes, I can see it does have a undelating temper line.

 

Blake m

[Ken-Hawaii]

Welcome to the forum, Blake.

 

Woody is a professional sword polisher, & I'm betting that he didn't suggest sending the sword to him for renovation. It's just not in good enough shape, or rare enough, to recover any money you would put into it.

 

But it's a piece of history, & I hope you enjoy the blade for what it is.

[PNSSHOGUN]

Some people do restore "unremarkable" swords if they are family heirlooms, the cost (not insignificant) is secondary compared to the memories and legacy. However if you don't have that sort of money laying around I would advise hanging onto it, the value would be a couple hundred dollars as is, better off keeping it as a piece of family history than nickle & dime profits.

 

Some good mineral oil and cleaning the blade gently with a soft, clean cloth will help stop new rust forming.

[Blazeaglory]

Looks like theres a nice sword under there! And bats on the tsuba! Off to a good start!

[dwmc]

Blake,

 

I couldn't agree more with John (PNSSHOGUN). Hang on to your Grandfather's sword! It sounds as though your main concern is the cost of proper restoration, which is definitely expensive. However,  I'm sure there are many NMB members who can advise you with how to perform a "gentle!!" cleaning to prevent further deterioration until such time you can afford and decide on professional restoration.

 

But please, I'm talking a very "moderate" cleaning as John suggested. No sand paper, no steel wool, no harsh rust removal chemicals, leave the nakago alone (part beneath the handle). Hopefully, more knowledgeable board members will advise you on how to proceed.

 

Your Grandfather's sword, and memories are worth far,far, more than a couple of hundred bucks that will be gone tomorrow, if not sooner...

 

Just my opinion, 

 

Good Luck,