Seeking Information / Very Old Blade

[chgruener]

Hello all,

 

looking for some expert help on this one. Appears to be a rather old blade remounted for WWII. Purchased this one directed from a U.S. veteran’s son who brought it home from WW2. I do believe it came from the Japanese mainland in October or November of 1945.

 

Specifically looking for an age estimation, but would love to know anything you are able to deduct from these photos. Cutting edge is about 25-26 inches. I’ve notice the blade has a much more pronounced curvature when compared to my other examples. The two groves are Bo-Hi I believe?

 

thank you!

 

[jesup]

suriage katana - cut down in length.  Probably late koto/muromachi - roughly 1500-1600.  Needs a polish ($$$$), but not in bad shape.   

[Kantaro]

Good pictures too!

 

[Matsunoki]

Probably re-hardened if the hamon finishes here?

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Christopher,

Bring your sword to the Chicago show later this month. I and others also will be glad to look at it and tell you what we can.

Grey

https://www.Chicagoswordshow.com

[chgruener]

2 hours ago, Grey Doffin said:

Hi Christopher,

Bring your sword to the Chicago show later this month. I and others also will be glad to look at it and tell you what we can.

Grey

https://www.Chicagoswordshow.com

I won’t be able to make it unfortunately! But thanks for letting me know about this show, I will try and make it in the future. 

[chgruener]

5 hours ago, jesup said:

suriage katana - cut down in length.  Probably late koto/muromachi - roughly 1500-1600.  Needs a polish ($$$$), but not in bad shape.   

Thanks for the input! I’ve reached out the few individuals in the U.S. who appear to be renowned and respected. The long lead times are what’s keeping me away more so than the money. I understand a professional polish will run $100-$150 per inch. I have several nihonto which I’d love to get professionally done.

[chgruener]

4 hours ago, Matsunoki said:

Probably re-hardened if the hamon finishes here?

I noticed that as well, but as a novice collector, I couldn’t come up with an explanation. I’d image that it could have been rehardened after being cut down?

[O koumori]

Hi Christopher,

Depending on where you are located in Illinois, if you care to make the trip, the Indiana Token Kai meets the third Saturday of most months at the public library in Martinsville IN. Feel free to bring your sword; we will be happy to examine it and offer opinions and advice. We meet at 10:00 AM EST - but will be in Chicago this month

[Matsunoki]

3 hours ago, chgruener said:

I’d image that it could have been rehardened after being cut down?

Correct. It isn’t that unusual…..many swords were rehardened following assorted damages.

[Kanenaga]

It's hard to tell from photos, but this could be a good sword in somewhat rough condition. Best to take good care of it until it can be evaluated in hand by a Japanese-trained polisher or someone comparable.