Looking to find out what this Sword may be - type, value From Korean War Time Period

[Ronniebeisme]

Trying to help my friend who is now a widow and in need of some financial help
This is what I know about this sword.  Her husband was a physician in the army during the Korean war.  He delivered a baby in a remote part of Korea and as a thanks the locals gave him this sword.   It hung in a case in their house for as long as I have known them . That is the story and all I know
Wonder if someone could identify it or give me direction on how to find out its identity and value .

Thank you in advance

[Ronniebeisme]

[Stephen]

For a better I D I'd show blade like this without fittings. 

It's a older blade in handachi mounts

[Stephen]

Also how long it is from tip to notch where habaki fits the blade

[Ronniebeisme]

thank you , looks to be around 29 inches or so ,  Ill get better pictures in the day light 

[Stephen]

Handsome healthy blade, morning pix should be full tang shot, blade up , closeups of hamon activity. 

 

Very Desirable to me.

[Rivkin]

There is some potential, but the photographs are all bad. Crazy angles, light from the ceiling - it will not work. Boshi, activity, sugata has to be clearly shown. Light source needs to be from a side.

[Brian]

Looks like a decent example of an antique katana. Take good care of it while you research it. Make sure you wipe lightly with some oil. Nothing abrasive.
Fittings look nice too. I'd say it has possibilities. At least a few hundred years old.

[Guest Simon R]

9 hours ago, Ronniebeisme said:

thank you , looks to be around 29 inches or so ,  Ill get better pictures in the day light 

Lovely blade with a lot of potential.

Considering the widow you are very kindly trying to assist with her financial situation, please be careful of PMs offering quick deals.

[Stephen]

Expanding the Tsuka photos. 

Fuchi and Kashira and sarute all need a closer look and add value to it IMO.

seldom see square off sarute,  usually rounded. Oh and menuki look interesting too. 

 

May I ask where you live Ron?

If your close to a show that's where you'll get your greatest value.

 

Like Simon said tread lightly for quick offers...

[robinalexander]

26 minutes ago, Stephen said:

seldom see square off sarute,  usually rounded

Nice blade Ron.... I have one of those......its odd ........I have a number of 'clasped hand' sarutes and often wondered about this one ...back to topic.

[Ronniebeisme]

OK thanks all, no sun today so will try again tomorrow , I am in Central KY , dare say not many around here can help.  Pawn stars was in Louisville, had I know before hand would have head that way ... such is life 

 

[Stephen]

@Ronniebeisme they have the SOS in Louisville in february.

We have some very knowledgeable members that set up at the Show of Shows. 

Mainly gun show but @Mark and @Grey Doffin are usually there.

 

One can't get much better info than from them.

 

http://www.sosovms.com/Show_of_Shows/

[Ronniebeisme]

well then I could make that for sure , about 1.5 hrs from me .  I will work to make that happen .  I wonder if they would allow me to bring in a 29 inch sword to get looked at ?

In the meantime some more photos, this thing is difficult to take pictures of

 

[Ronniebeisme]

[Ronniebeisme]

[Ronniebeisme]

[Guest Simon R]

Everything screams high quality to me @Ronniebeisme (although I'm no great expert).

The double gold foiled habaki, foiled seppa and handachi mounts are all very good signs. The blade length is highly attractive and it has a good hamon and perfect kissaki. Looking at the original mekugi-ana, it's obviously been cut down from a huge tachi length which could indicate an impressive age.

Once again, please be careful of anyone telling you "it's so-so" and offering you peanuts.

[Rivkin]

The nakago is long, patina is not too deep, yasurime is clear and well spaced. Even though its suriage it hints towards shinshinto. Consistent with wide mihaba, long, uniformly curved blade. Wide gunome chouji with nie "foam" remind me of Chounsai Tsunatoshi and his school.

[Stephen]

Good good Ronnie,  you'll get your best value at the Show.

 

If I had 5K I'd offer but that may be cutting you short.

 

That said it needs to be seen in hand because it may have a hidden flaw one can't see in the pictures. 

 

Have you gave a good hard close look at the nakago that may hold some writing?

 

No worries about carrying in a sword other that more that a few approaches asking what you have there.

 

Was hoping @Mark would reply he and Grey will do you no wrong and lead you to other dealers to get your best value.

 

Glad PS didn't get to see it. It would have been a lower offer.

 

Good luck at the show really needs to be seen in had by a professional to determine value.

 

if any other photo it would have be the nakago close up both sides so a trained eye can look it over.

[Ronniebeisme]

OK , thanks ,I appreciate  the insight and honesty -  I will now look up all these identifiers/descriptors  so I know what you all are talking about !

I will reach out to the two you mention 

 

I did look over the nakago closely and did not see anything but then again I am  not real sure what I am looking for 

[Mark]

i had sent Ron a message....... Grey does not attend the SOS but i will be there for sure.   I would be happy to look at it and there will be plenty of others i could direct him too. 

 

Ron email me at nixe@bright.net  and i can give you my cell number. there is no issure with bringing a sword in but if we communicate before i can meet you and walk you in as i have a pass and everyone knows i have swords

[Ronniebeisme]

awesome , will shoot you an email 

[Stephen]

17 hours ago, Ronniebeisme said:

did look over the nakago closely and did not see anything

It takes a very keen eye especially if you don't know what your looking for. 

 

Back when I was sending swords to Shisa team mine and for another member

Both koto blades came back as mis classified,  giving his a once over I noticed what I thought was two Kanji mei at the very end of nakago.

With a light touch I revealed it...yep even the team missed it ....they have a tight window before next blade comes to them in hand. 

 

So if you would indulge me photos of both sides close up, maybe two per side being how long it is.

BTW how long is the nakago?

 

I think the widow will be very happy in the end, pray she rewards you after all is done for your due diligence. 

 

[Ronniebeisme]

OK Stephen , will do Ill wait for some good outside lighting 

[Stephen]

No Hurry here plenty of time. 

[Ronniebeisme]

well I cant see anything , my best attempt at photos lol

[Ronniebeisme]

[Stephen]

I concur 

Rotated an brighter 

Interesting all holes look drilled

[Stephen]

Thank you for your time Ronnie