Need help identifying and getting do's and don'ts for this blade

[majorFALfan]

I was referred to this message board by some people on r/katanas. I honestly still don't know for sure if it's authentic (being weary of what people say on reddit) but quite a few people telling to not touch it. I need help identifying it and how to care for it.

[Rivkin]

Sort of feels like authentic Bizen[???] Osafune signature which is almost gone. The blade can be early-mid Muromachi.

[Ray Singer]

I replied to you on reddit. My comment there is repeated below. 

 

Wonderful find. This appears to be a Nanbokucho period or earlier tachi, signed Bishu Osafune __ (the remainder of the inscription is not readable in the photos, however please do not do anything at all to try to improve the visibility of the inscription). There may have been a date on the other side of the nakago, not presently readable. Do not try to remove rust on the nakago (tang), or to clean or polish the blade in any way. It has every indication of being a valuable sword.

 

Best regards, 

Ray 

 

[Ray Singer]

It is possible the next kanji is Tsune. 

 

Bishu Osafune Tsune__. Several smiths used this kanji including Tsunehiro and Tsunenao. 

 

https://nihontoclub.com/view/smiths/meisearch?type=All&mei_op=contains&mei=備前長船恒

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Nick,

What Ray said, and here you will find care & cleaning, which you should read twice.

https://nbthk-ab2.org/sword-characteristics/

Grey

And if you have a bunch of questions and would appreciate talking with someone who is not an authority but has been at this for 40 years and won't try to get you to sell the sword to me, feel free to call sometime.

Grey  218-340-1001 US central time

[Brian]

Very interesting sword that definitely needs to be examined in hand. But what Ray, Kiril and Grey said. This should end up with someone eventually that will consider having it professionally restored. Don't try any restoration yourself, and be wary of the inevitable offers to purchase that you may get privately until you know more about it.

[Lewis B]

Similar features, Mei placement, futasuji-bi to this rare Bizen Ugan school Sumimoriji sword.

 

https://www.touken-sato.com/event/katana/2014/03/TC-moritsugu-01.html

 

I would get this blade  in front of a top US based togishi. Could be well worth the investment to restore it. 

 

Nick, I'm sure I speak for many here, but we would love to hear the story of the blade and how comes to be in your possession. 

[Jussi Ekholm]

As others said above it would seem to be very promising sword for possible restoration.

 

I like the shape of your sword and I believe it has potential to be very good sword after proper restoration. 

[Jake6500]

As other more knowledgeable members of the forum have said, best not to touch anything and get it to a professional. The only thing you could maybe try is removing some of the surface rust with a microfibre polishing cloth and some typewriter or paraffin oil as this is low risk and a part of basic maintenance. Do this for the blade but not the nakago (tang/handle).

 

Interesting and coincidental timing but a dealer I know is actually selling a Bishu Osafune blade dated to the year 1492 on consignment right now...

The price on it is 1,250,000 yen (About 8,000 USD) so your blade could be quite valuable after restoration and polishing.

 

Your blade could potentially be a hundred years older than that or more according to Ray above, and in turn could be even more valuable.

Edited January 4 by Jake6500

[Jacques]

Regarding a possible restoration, keep in mind that a thickening file has not yet been invented and that polishing can permanently ruin this blade which already seems quite worn to me..