Help Needed - Fake or Genuine Koshirae??

[Marcus Devonport]

Hi All, 

Im hoping I could get some general opinions on a set of koshirae im being offered. Whilst I have some foundational knowledge on Nihonto, I'm struggling with identifying authentic Tosogu. 

 

Matching set of tiger & bamboo themed fittings (fuchi-kashira, koiguchi, kurigata & kojiri)- I'm conflicted on whether these are correct, period fittings or reproduction? I'd love to learn more. 

 

My initial observations:

Tsukamaki is more elaborate than most, being jabaramaki wrap- and the seppa/kozuka/kogai also look above average quality- which makes me all the more confused whether it's genuine, as I've seen nothing like these before. 

 

Thanks all, any advise is appreciated - I'm trying my best to better understand how to tell reproductions apart. 

[Bugyotsuji]

Looks good from here. Do you have some overall shots?

[Marcus Devonport]

Thanks for the response! 

 

Unfortunately, no photos which show the overall koshirae- just close ups of the 'individual bits'

Haven't got access to many photos, with the best already being shared. 

I do have the below, for reference. Bit it's not the subject of the photo

[Ian B3HR2UH]

Grab it

[Jake6500]

These fittings seem authentic to my eye. The fuchi seems to be made of good quality material. Not sure what this is priced at but if you're thinking of buying, seems like a decent purchase.

[Lewis B]

I like what I see. The detail is well executed and overall the design is nicely balanced. The shakudo work is high quality. Is there a signature on the tsuba?

Are you only considering the koshirae or is the blade also being offered? I would expect the blade to be of equal quality.

I'd grab it depending on the price. 

[Grey Doffin]

Not commenting on the mei of the fuchi (which is upside down BTW) which may or may not be correct but the work cannot possibly be fake. This is very nice.

Grey

[Marcus Devonport]

Apologies. The pics were sent on from the seller, but I should have rotated the orientation of the Mei. 

The sword is coming out of a deceased estate, with the box being discovered by the family during house clearance- I was exploring the idea of the piece being partially cast Export work, after having recent conversations with some well esteemed UK collectors. 

 

Thank you everyone, for your responses so far... 

[Curran]

Trust yourself more.

Even if the signature on the fuchi proves to be false, -that is not uncommon.

Overall, it looks like a nice koshirae that has probably been stored a little too long. Extremely nice looking wrap.

 

[Marcus Devonport]

Thanks Cur- couldn't agree more about the wrap, it's beautiful work. Think I'll be placing an offer on this sword, with the collective response from the NMB community tipping the decision 

[Lewis B]

I think this is a good decision. Please post more images of the blade, including the nakago, if the negotiations bare fruit. It appears to be a wakizashi and have some potential.