Old Sword - Need Information

[Jonerdeer]

Thanks for the add. I have what I'm guessing is an old samurai sword. Due to it's poor environment, the wooden handles and sheath have separated and are no longer in tact and the blade is rusted pretty bad, Under the grip there is some Japanese writing. It's hard to see it all becuase of the rust. I was told by some samurai enthusiast that I should post it here. Could anyone tell me more about it? Thanks in advance.

[Ken-Hawaii]

Welcome to NMB. Please tell us your first name so we know how to address you, and you need to sign all your posts with it.

 

You have what appears to be a wakizashi, in rather poor shape. I can see what looks like a hamon, but the blade isn't in good enough shape to say very much. I suggest that you soak a rag in oil, & wrap it around the blade to loosen the rust. The red rust is active, & needs to be removed with a piece of ivory, antler, or something similar. Don't use sandpaper, or anything abrasive.

 

This link https://to-ken.uk/resources/sword%20etiquette.htmlwill tell you about the etiquette of handling the blade.

[Jonerdeer]

Thanks. My name is Danny. Sorry I forgot to put it on there.

[PietroParis]

Do I understand correctly that the rust on the tang should be left alone? Or is red rust to be removed everywhere?

[Ganko]

Hard to read due to rust. I think it says, Bungo ju Fujiwara Kuniyuki.

[Oshy]

I believe soft antler is the only method to help remove active nakago rust.

[Ken-Hawaii]

Red rust is eating your blade!! The black rust is the good type, as it is stabilized.

[mike76us]

just noticed the samurai head on there couldn’t never make nothing out on it befoe

[Jonerdeer]

Any idea of age or value?

[Jacques]

Any idea of age or value?

 

 

Probably XVII century. I never give a value as too many parameters must be considered. 

[Ray Singer]

Yes, as Tom said above this appears to be Bungo Kuniyuki. I translated this one for you yesterday on Facebook.

 

豊後住藤原國行

 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1570236196567340/2570136786577271/?comment_id=2570178106573139&reply_comment_id=2570187899905493&notif_id=1584916342676119&notif_t=group_comment

[Jonerdeer]

Thanks guys. If I were to sell it, where would be a good place to do so? Also, could anyone give me a ballpark idea of what to ask?

[ChrisW]

I'd recommend here. You're more likely to get a fair price and you'll pass it along to someone who will care for it.

[16k]

I’d recommend here too. Best place for that, or eBay, but if so, with an auction, not a fixed price as you’re more likely to get a good price with an auction.

 

Frankly, don’t expect too much for it. It has several conditions against it:

 

- condition is bad. Even if red rust is removed, it will leave stains, requiring a new polish, which isn’t always worth it considering the price of a new polish.

 

- wakizashi are less sought after than katana. It’s a sad truth that finds its origin in the fact that only Samurai were allowed to wear a katana when commoners could wear wakizashi only.

 

- Bungo takada school. This school and a few others have the undeserved reputation of being country swordsmiths with little appeal or artistic value (which isn’t true) and thus attract less collectors.

 

Now, I can’t tell you what to sell it for, nor what people would pay for it, but I can tell you that, personally, I wouldn’t spend more than $800 for it, and I’d would most likely wait until the price drops a little (that is, if I had the money! )