Tanto - Kunimune?

[Bob61]

Hello again.

 

I am attaching photos and the papers that came with it, of a tanto that I have inherited a number of years ago. It is unsigned, but is in excellent condition. I am hoping that someone can provide information on the swordsmith and hopefully the value that I should be asking.   

DRAGON BLADE TANTO PAPERS.pdf

[Ray Singer]

It would be helpful to see a complete photo of the blade straight on with all fittings removed, including the habaki, to better evaluate the shape. The immediate impression from the nakago, sugata, horimono etc is that this is a much later sword. Not a Kamakura period, Kagen era work. 

[Bob61]

Hello

 

I apologize. I pulled the sword to take better pictures. I notice that it is signed. I hope that this is what you requested. Thank you for your help. Much appreciated.

 

I apologize, this is not the tanto that I wanted. This is another one, that I will need help with. I again apologize, I am dealing with a large collection of swords and it is confusing to say the least. 

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[Bob61]

Hello

 

I again apologize, I am new to this and bad at it. Here are the updated photos. Thanks for the help. 

[Ray Singer]

The signed tanto is signed Nagasone Okisato (Kotetsu). Not an authentic example by that smith. 

[Ray Singer]

The tanto purported to be Kagen era, late Kamakura Bizen Kunimune looks like an Edo period blade. 

[Bob61]

17 hours ago, Ray Singer said:

The tanto purported to be Kagen era, late Kamakura Bizen Kunimune looks like an Edo period blade. 

Thank you for your reply. I truly appreciate it. I am dealing with a number of swords, some papered, some not. I was under the impression that these papers belonged with this particular tanto. Upon further inspection of the scabbard, I noticed that the fuchigashira was signed. Could you possibly translate this for me?  Also, in response to your first answer, what does "not authentic example by smith" mean? I am new to this, so please bear with me.

[mywei]

Might be signed 利典 but I'm not 100% on the second character

 

What Ray meant by his signature comment is that it is a forged signature by another smith (this is called gimei). This is very common for this particular smith (Kotetsu) whose works have been notoriously subject to forgery as his real work is extremely valuable

[Bob61]

Thank you ever so much for your great reply. I completely understand. This has been a informative, positive experience and a great forum. It has been professional and educational and is appreciated by someone who really is looking for answers and wants to learn. Great job. Thanks!!