Opinions wanted Katana purchase

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Hello

I am purchasing from a trusted seller but would also like a second opinion. I know this falls into the time period Green papers were questionable so I thought I would ask the group if they had any thoughts.

 

Unsigned but attributed to Kawachi Kami Kunisuke please see all 3 posts for pics

 

Thanks so much

Steven

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More pics

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More pics

[Geraint]

Dear Steve.

 

Some will say that o suriage Shinto is a no right from the start.  As this has it's torokusho I assume it is in Japan, if so then there is a question mark. I notice now that some dealers have taken to having their swords re-papered and then show both the old style and the new NBTHK paper.  In most of the cases I have seen so far the sword is ubu and signed and both the papers agree.  Of course if they did not agree then we would probably only see the current papers.

 

Assuming the sword is o suriage, (and after all why would Kunisuke ever make a katana that he did not sign?), then given it's current length what would it's original nagasa have been?  Does this fit with known Kunisuke katana?  I'm afraid I can't make out very much from the images but does the description of the hada and hamon sound like Kunisuke?

 

You are clearly drawn to this sword so perhaps ask the question about papers.  Would the seller guarantee current NBTHK and indeed submit it for you?  If the answer is no, then you are buying an o suriage Shinto katana, you can effectively disregard the papers and the price should reflect these factors.

 

Looking forward to hearing what you decide.

 

All the best.

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Thank you I apologize for my ignorance, are unsigned blades predominantly shortened? The temper is 65cm so I can’t imagine this was a larger blade and the reason for the shortening

[Ganko]

Sometimes a blade is shortened because it was damaged during use near the habaki, such as a chip or crack. The damage is subsequently removed by moving the habaki up past the damaged area.

[PietroParis]

I am purchasing from a trusted seller but would also like a second opinion. I know this falls into the time period Green papers were questionable so I thought I would ask the group if they had any thoughts.

 

Sorry for the naive question: what is exactly the period in which the green papers were questionable?

 

Thanks, Pietro

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My understand it’s was the 1970”s...NBTHK changed the ratings in the early 80s

[Ken-Hawaii]

Geraint's idea about having the seller guarantee, or apply for, Hozon papers is a good one.

 

I personally would hesitate on this blade. Shinto + unsigned + suriage = a very-unsettled feeling. I suggest checking out what NMB sellers offer.

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I agree Ken I passed on the blade