rt44 Posted June 3 Report Posted June 3 Hi all, I have recently come into possession of a Japanese sword that a relative had brought back from the Pacific during or immediately WWII. Unfortunately, the relative who served has long since passed away and I can find out no other information than he served in both engagements in the Pacific as well as part of the occupation force. So how he obtained it is likely an unanswerable question. It has likely sat in its scabbard since 1945-1946 collecting dust until I came into possession of it. The blade itself is I’m pretty rough shape with noticeable rust. The tang has a rather dark patina, which was my first clue when researching that it might be worth consulting others. It has obviously been remounted on WWII era fittings, but there appears to be a mei on the right side of the tang. There are no such markings on the other side, just a flat patina. The hamon appears to be irregular and has not made me suspicious, but I am a novice after all. I have provided pictures of the blade and made attempts to frame/light the photos to make the presumed mei legible, but have been largely unsuccessful. Any advice on achieving that would be appreciated as well. I have also provided some approximate measurements below. I will try to use correct terminology, but could be mistaken. Length from kissaki to hamachi: 20 3/8 inches (51.75 cm) Nakago length: 5 1/4 inches (13.34 cm) Nakago width: 1 5/8 inches at top, roughly 1/2 inch at bottom (4.13 cm, 1.27 cm) Blade width at hamachi: 1 1/4 inch. (3.18 cm) In addition to any identifying information anyone might be able to provide on this sword, steps I can take to preserve this sword would be extremely helpful. We do not intend on selling this sword regardless, but if anyone had a ballpark figure on its worth I would be interested to know just for curiosity’s sake. Thanks for any help you guys can provide. I will provide more pictures in the thread below. Rutland Quote
rt44 Posted June 3 Author Report Posted June 3 Here are some more pictures of the sword. If there are any other photos/angles that would be helpful, I will be happy to provide. Thanks again. Quote
Ray Singer Posted June 3 Report Posted June 3 The inscription is kikumon Tanba (no) kami Yoshimichi. There were several generations in this lineage, it may help if you could provide a clear vertical image of the inscription to evaluate further. Best regards, Ray Quote
Bruce Pennington Posted June 3 Report Posted June 3 I have 5 Yoshimichi on file with kikumon (chrysanthemum). Three dated between 1711 - 1755. One was estimated to be from the 1600s. This mon does not match the others in my files, however each of them vary from the next, so that doesn't tell us much. The kikumon was a sign the smith was approved to make swords under the shogunate, and has been seen from the 1600s to the mid-1800s. You might have noticed that your fittings are missing some parts. Some collectors like to keep their swords just as they got them (Life of the sword philosophy). Other would rather find period correct parts to refit the sword. If you care to do so, you can see how yours should look by reading this site: Scabbard, spring clip, etc - Ohmura and Gunto Metal Parts - Ohmura Care and cleaning - Japanese sword Care I don't know Yoshimitsu and his work. But in general, older blades in military fittings sell in the range of $1,900 to $2,400. Lower end for gunto with missing parts and rusted blades. However, if your smith is valued, it could go much higher. The nihonto experts would have to help you in that area. 4 Quote
rt44 Posted June 3 Author Report Posted June 3 Thank you Ray and Bruce for your help, I greatly appreciate it. These new ones are the clearest photos I am able to get in current conditions with equipment I have on hand given the state of the tang. I will try and get my hands on a better camera/lighting setup, but wanted to provide these in case they are any help. 15 hours ago, Ray Singer said: The inscription is kikumon Tanba (no) kami Yoshimichi. There were several generations in this lineage, it may help if you could provide a clear vertical image of the inscription to evaluate further. Best regards, Ray Quote
Ray Singer Posted June 3 Report Posted June 3 The mei is not in good enough condition here that I can give you a specific generation, however it is likely a legitimate example from one of the generations of Yoshimichi from the Mishina school. In spite of the nakago being in somewhat rough condition , with less definition than we would like to see in the mei, please be sure not to do anything at all to remove rust or clean the nakago (tang). Leave the condition of that part of your sword as it is. Best regards, Ray 2 Quote
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