My first Wakizashi

[Ronald Aguirre]

Hey everyone! I bought my first Wakizashi recently! I really liked the koshirae. It’s Mumei. Not sure about the age. Would love to get anyone’s thoughts about it or if they notice anything unique or special! Thanks in advance! 
 

also sorry for the photos! I did my best! 

[GreyVR]

I wish you the joy of your sword! 

It obviously needs work, so you have a project!
The first thing I noticed is that there's another thread just below you on how to find a polisher. (If you are new everyone will be advising you NOT to attempt this yourself, a professional is called for.) 

Personally,(this is a question for your next set of commentors who will likely have more experience then I do....) I've never seen a scabbard with rings in the middle and without an end cap. Have others seen much of that? 

Is there a shadow in the finish where one used to be? If so the shadow doesn't show in the photos. 

[ROKUJURO]

Hi Ron,

it looks as if you got a beat-up WAKIZASHI - likely SHINTO/early EDO from the SUGATA - in former HAN-DACHI KOSHIRAE.

As always, quality and conditition are what counts in terms of value; age is not very relevant.

As George stated, it looks like a project sword, and your task as its caretaker would be to preserve it and prevent more damage. I don't see much rust which is a good thing, but a damaged SAYA is not a good protection, so have a friendly and competent NMB member near you have a closer look at your treasure and plan measures. Showing the sword to dealers on a sword show might be another possibility.

Keep it dry and don't work on it yourself!