Opinions welcomed

[Nicholas]

I’ve had this sword in my collection for a few years now. It is signed Awataguchi Fujiwara Kanetsuna, no date. It’s mounted in type 98 gunto mounts. I’ve done some research on the smith. Student of Awataguchi Tadatsuna. 2 generations spanning from late 1600’s to early 1700’s. I believe the Kanetsuna is rated Chujo saku. That’s about all I can find. I have never seen another sword by this smith come up or be discussed. There is a small chip in the kissaki and scratches on the upper part of the blade like it’s been used for cutting. It looks to me like a well made blade. Suggestions on leaving it as is or is it worth a polish? Pics attached.

[Nicholas]

[Ray Singer]

https://aucview.aucf...om/yahoo/c812336278/

 

[Nicholas]

1 hour ago, Ray Singer said:

https://aucview.aucf...om/yahoo/c812336278/

 

Thanks Ray. Is this a rare Shinto smith like they claim in the auctions description. Or is that just a sales pitch.

[Ray Singer]

My impression is that his work is rarely seen. 

 

That said, another below. 

https://aucview.aucf...m&tg=detailtextModal

 

[PNSSHOGUN]

A full polish doesn't look to be needed, repairing the Kissaki depends on the Boshi and would be for a Togishi to determine. Looks like a nice blade, are the mounts good quality?

[Nicholas]

11 hours ago, PNSSHOGUN said:

A full polish doesn't look to be needed, repairing the Kissaki depends on the Boshi and would be for a Togishi to determine. Looks like a nice blade, are the mounts good quality?

Most of the blade is still in good polish. The upper 8 inches towards the kissaki has horizontal scratches that obscure the polish along with the chip on the tip. Pics of mounts.

[Franco]

When a sword has been damaged, such as a broken tip as is the case here, should it be decided to restore such a blade it is important to find a polisher with excellent foundation polishing skills and ability. As the entire area that makes up the kissaki will have to be reshaped. Anything less will be spotted by a good eye searching for a collectible sword such as this one in the future. 

 

Regards

[Jacques]

Kanetsuna was a student of shodai Tadatsuna, he lacked his master's talent (chujo)

[Nicholas]

10 hours ago, Franco D said:

it is important to find a polisher with excellent foundation polishing skills and ability. As the entire area that makes up the kissaki will have to be reshaped

Thanks Franco, Although it is a nice sword and we don’t often see works from Awataguchi Kanetsuna It’s probably not financially worth it to have the sword polished. The chip in the kissaki just bothers me.

[Franco]

Enjoy it as is and leave a note for the next caretaker. 

 

Regards