Did I let a Gassan school piece slip through my fingers?

[Hector]

Looking for opinions - perhaps to rub some salt in the wound.

 

I was looking at Yahoo Auctions last week and came across this small tanto made in Showa 10. The seller's blurb alleged a connection to the Gassan school and, as I liked it anyway (despite the blade being rubbed to the point of obscuring all the forging details), I was prepared to initially bid around ¥70,000.

However my better half stepped in and told me not to "waste money". 😢

As I can only bid on Yahoo with her help I was basically scuppered and, as it consequently sold for much less than what I was willing to bid, it still stings at backing down.

Having compared the yasurime, mei and date with Gassan Sadakatsu, I see some similarities (not saying it's the man himself just maybe one of his students) and now I'm banging my head against every available wall. what do you guys think?

 

(I just added the last two photos as a comparative to the Sadakatsu signature.)

 

Edited December 9, 2025 by Hector

[Lewis B]

I would say opportunity missed. The mei looks good to me for Sadakazu. He was also known for Katakiriha-zukuri

For 42500 JPY someone stole it.

Better to buy first and ask for forgiveness later. 

[Hector]

15 minutes ago, Lewis B said:

I would say opportunity missed. The mei looks good to me for Sadakazu. He was also known for Katakiriha-zukuri

For 42500 JPY someone stole it.

Better to buy first and ask for forgiveness later. 

 

[Brian]

I don't think it's even close, and think your chances of it being shoshin are in the negative numbers. Never mind the fact that if it had a chance, the seller would have sent it for papers.
Nah....no ways.

[Hector]

49 minutes ago, Brian said:

I don't think it's even close, and think your chances of it being shoshin are in the negative numbers. Never mid the fact that if it had a chance, the seller would have sent it for papers.
Nah....no ways.

Thanks Brian!

You just saved me from a divorce. 😬

[PNSSHOGUN]

For those who've studied Gassan school smiths and seen their Mei in hand, it's rather apparent how finely the Nakago is signed and finished. Don't think you've missed anything important.

[lonely panet]

THE FISH LOOKS BIG,  if you have small fingers