Help with aprox. katana value.

[TheGalos]

Having a hard time getting a estimated value/ appraisal for my Nihonto.

I acquired this from a neighbor that had it put away in a garage for 20+ years.

He got it form a house he demolished for a WW2 vet that passed.

Nothing has been done to sword other than a quick clean with alcohol then light chogi oil.

What caught my attention was the fact that I could see my reflection in the blade clear as day the first time in 20+ years when I removed from scabard.

Was told that is a Shin guntõ (literallv "new armv sword"
koshirae (fittings, scabbard, handle,
etc.) but heirloom nihonto, definitely a Family sword
The presence of multiple holes in the nakago (tang) and the squared off base mean it was absolutely intentionally shortened. The presence of the
signature on the left-hand side of theBlade means the sword was made to be worn with the blade upright (it was,is considered bad luck to wear a swordwith the sianature facing vour body so it was made AS a katana rather than a
tachi.

Mei shows,

Made by kuniyoshi resident of bingo fukuyama keian?

 

I would love to send it to get polished but 2000 is a hefty price tag if its not worth it.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Can provide more pics if needed.

Was unable this time due to size limit.

 

 

 

[TheGalos]

[TheGalos]

[John C]

Galo:

The problem with valuations is that it is completely subject for anything other than the really big names. Condition, rarity, historical significance, provenance all play a part. The obvious thing to do would be to research that particular smith auction prices (Ebay MIGHT have some but you need to look at Completed auctions and not for sale items). If you can't find anything that way, look for information about the smith in reference material and see how he was rated. This would give you an idea of importance (i.e., value). Barring that, something is actually worth what someone is willing to pay for it. That's one reason website auctions carry such high prices. If the sword means something to you, keep it and enjoy it. Maybe even have it polished. If it doesn't, then list it with a high reserve and see what kind of offers you get. 

 

John C.

[ROKUJURO]

Galo,

you had already posted this a few days ago.

Might be BISHU YOKOYAMA KUNIYOSHI. Even with good photos, estimating a market value is difficult or impossible. You will have to check the prices of comparable swords in comparable condition.