Help with signed nihonto.

[Flappy25]

Hello everyone,

I recently acquired this katana in a local brocante (flea market) in Belgium. I believe it to be authentic and I'm seeking help identifying the signature (mei), the period, and the possible school or smith behind the blade and other information.

Here’s what I’ve been able to gather so far (please note: all measurements were taken approximately using a simple measuring tape – they are not precise to the millimeter):

• Mei: 横山上野~ (~=?)

• Nagasa: +-66.5 cm

• Sori: +-2.0 cm

• Kissaki: +-3.2 cm

• Motohaba / Sakihaba (estimated): +-3.1 cm / +-2.4 cm

• Kasane: +-6 mm at base, +-3 mm at tip

• Nakago: +-20.5 cm, unaltered, with natural patina

• Weight of blade (bare): 841 g

Koshirae: complete – samegawa in two side panels, traditional black ito wrap, iron tsuba with floral motif, saya lacquered black with a painted plum blossom design.

The hamon appears genuine and is visible under light, but the polish is old. The boshi is present but not very defined. No visible flaws or hagire. The blade feels light and well-balanced in hand.

I would be grateful for any help with:

• Confirming the mei and smith

• Estimating the period 

• Value potential 

• Any red flags I may have missed

I can provide better photos of the mei, hada, hamon and koshirae upon request.

Thank you very much in advance for your time and expertise.
I'm take all information.

Best regards,
AK

 

[Ray Singer]

Unfortunately this is not authentic. Please see below. 

 

https://www.jssus.org/nkp/fake_japanese_swords.html

[Bruce Pennington]

The steel is known as Damascus steel and is well known in Chinese swords.  The mei is not Japanese.  The ito folds all turn in the same direction - standard Chinese.  Japanese ito twist in alternating directions. 

 

It is a sword, but not Japanese.

[Rivkin]

I would add one thing - in reality its not twisted steel, its just an acid etch imitating it. 95% of "damascus" Chinese and Indian is this way. Used to be wax and acid bath, but I think today there are acid resistant templates which can be physically attached to the blade when its dunk in acid.

[Brian]

Indeed. Chinese fake, with all the above applicable. And like Kiril noted, those looking like "Damascus" welded blades seldom are anyways, just acid etched. Not that it matters.