J Ambrose Posted January 22 Report Posted January 22 About 20 years ago I purchased this sword at a gun shop, that also carried some militaria. The gun shop owner said that he purchased it from a US WWII Veteran, who took it home from the war. I knew the gun shop owner well, and he regularly sought to purchase militaria from WW 2 vets, so I believed his story. He never divulged his sources, so it was impossible for me to trace the Veteran's history further. The sword came in old shirasaya. Its Nagasa is 27.25". I always wanted to know more about it, but it is mumei; and I haven't personally known any Nihonto experts. I will not be selling this sword, so no comments will be used to aid in marketing it. My principal question is whether or not this sword is worthy of polishing? My other interest is possible makers, schools, age, etc... Finally, the sword appears to have temper (like on a hamon) that extends down from its mune in a couple of places. Is that common? Why is it there? I will be grateful for any and all comments, J Ambrose 1 Quote
J Ambrose Posted January 22 Author Report Posted January 22 (edited) Closeup of very faint file marks Edited January 22 by J Ambrose 1 Quote
Ray Singer Posted January 22 Report Posted January 22 This gives the impression of being a Sue-Seki blade (late Muromachi period, 16th century, Mino province). While I do think this is worthwhile to consider for restoration, the condition is not abhorrent and it appears that everything can be seen and appreciated for the most part. So, you may want to consider keeping it in its current condition. 3 Quote
Ray Singer Posted January 22 Report Posted January 22 I missed your comment about the existing shirasaya. There are sayashi who can clean old scabbards if there is any accumulated material inside. John Tirado and Josiah Boomershine are both individuals that I would recommend. Quote
PNSSHOGUN Posted January 23 Report Posted January 23 Agree with Ray, the sword is in a perfectly reasonable state. Was there any writing on the Shirasaya? Quote
J Ambrose Posted January 23 Author Report Posted January 23 (edited) John, No, the shirasaya is plain. Edited January 23 by J Ambrose Quote
Hector Posted January 23 Report Posted January 23 Presumably Kanamoto den (school) by the sambonsugi (3 cedar zigzag) hamon? Quote
lonely panet Posted January 23 Report Posted January 23 i will say this, im bloody jelious of your photographic skills. i have been taking pics of swords for years and i wish mine was as good as yours. 3 1 Quote
The Forest Ninja Posted January 24 Report Posted January 24 (edited) On 1/23/2026 at 2:14 AM, lonely panet said: i will say this, im bloody jelious of your photographic skills. i have been taking pics of swords for years and i wish mine was as good as yours. Yes, taking pics of blade steel is hard. Most of My pics are ruined by dreaded light reflection causing a Sun effect. As for the Sword above the Hamon is very visible. Edited January 25 by The Forest Ninja Quote
J Ambrose Posted February 19 Author Report Posted February 19 My thanks to everyone who commented. I very much appreciate your help. J Ambrose 1 Quote
ROKUJURO Posted February 19 Report Posted February 19 James, the HAMON-like spots on the back of the blade are called MUNEYAKI. They are only found on traditionally made blades. In case you search for MINO KANEMOTO school, maybe something comes up. If the blade would be worth a tarditional polish is up to you and your wallet. You will be looking at $ 2.500.-- or more, but I believe it will be a pleasure to look at then, and it will teach you a lot more than now with a nice HADA on the surface. 1 Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.