Help with Identification / Worth Restoring?

[Jon G]

Hello,

 

I have inherited (what I believe to be) a wakizashi. I know next to nothing other than it has been in my family as long as I can remember. At some point, it had a janky rubber handle on it, but that has since been removed. I have no intentions of selling, but am considering having it restored and a new handle made to display and honor the sword. Any guidance, opinions, assistance identifying would be much appreciated. Located in Nevada, USA

[ROKUJURO]

Jon,

what you have looks like a HIRA ZUKURI WAKIZASHI, and the TSUBA is probably one of the NANBAN style. The photos don't allow to see much more. Perhaps better ones with a dark, non-reflecting background and presented as cut-outs might help, but the condition seems to be so bad that the usual features like HAMON or HADA are concealed.

A proper restoration could only be done by a traditionally trained polisher and would cost serious money - I think it would exceed $ 2.000.--, if at all possible.

If you want to honour a Japanese sword, don't display it. 

[Rivkin]

Quite possibly late Muromachi piece, ubu, unsigned - therefore not a great restoration investment.

[John C]

20 hours ago, Jon G said:

considering having it restored

Jon:

Just for information sake, if you do decide to spend the money to have it polished, the togishi can also straighten the blade. But I wouldn't try to polish it or straighten it yourself. They use a special jig and know just how much pressure to apply so they don't break it.

 

John C.