WWII Katana signed. Is this authentic asano Kanezane ? Hand made or factory made? Any other information 🙏

[Dekabyu]

I am buying this katana and I am in talks with the owner. Not sure if it’s authentic, collectors worth and any information about the sword itself. Any information is much appreciated 

Edited January 2 by Dekabyu
Adding more information for clarity

[nulldevice]

https://japaneseswordindex.com/kanezane.htm

 

Read here for more information on this smith. 

[mecox]

@Dekabyu     Rugger, from pics looks like a good example of work by Kanezane with complete fittings.  Possibly has been rebound, but well done.  Maybe a stamp (Seki) has been filed off above signature?

Others can comment on value.

For more info and background to Asano Kanezane see this paper  in NMB Downloads (at top of page):

 

[rebcannonshooter]

Hi Dekabyu, Yes this is an authentic KaneZane. It's a Nakirishimei for him just like Oshigata "D" in Slough's "Modern Japanese Swordsmiths 1868-1945". And, an almost identical copy of the signature on my KaneZane! Good looking sword and mounts look great.

hope this helps, Tom

 

[Dekabyu]

@rebcannonshooter did you get checked out ? Shall I buy it ? How much is it worth for collectors ?

 

and where did you get yours ? 
 

I want to buy this but it’s online not sure to trust the guy 

 

[rebcannonshooter]

Hi Dekabyu, 

I bought my KaneZane in 1980 from the old vet who brought it back. It was the second Japanese sword I ever owned and at the time I couldn't even translate the tang. (I think I paid $250 for it). I knew an old sword collector who translated the signature for me, I guess I got VERY lucky and got something nice. Later I bought Richard Fuller and Ron Gregory's book "Military Swords of Japan 1868-1945" they had published a letter from a collector who wrote to Asano Shinichi (KaneZane) and received an answer from him. I think that article really established KaneZane's fame, and showed just how much care he and his students poured into each sword. He spoke about his work as a swordsmith as being "the flower of (his) life" and a "fragile dream" that ended when the war was over. After reading that, how can you not be romantic about Japanese Swords? 

I really don't know the going price of KaneZane's swords, over the years I have seen quite a number come up for sale. (KaneZane stated that he was making swords full time for 10 years)

As mecox alluded to, the sword is in good polish, the fittings look to be in great shape, so I think its a great example of a '98 with a tassel. But, it is more than likely not a traditionally made sword. 

Good luck with the purchase, buying from an unknown person can be nerve-racking!

Tom