Help please on validation of sword.

[Millsman]

At auction only pics provided, appears right to novice?

Would you who know better bid on this item based on the mei? Translation ?

If willing to risk a bid what would be your top dollar (if at all) if this was all the information available.

Sorry about pic quality they appear much better on my PC but I have never figured out how to transmit or copy from the original (if in fact that is possible)

Any thoughts welcome, and thanks in advance !

 

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f382/ ... photo1.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f382/ ... photo2.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f382/ ... photo3.jpg

 

or first 3 pics : http://s51.photobucket.com/home/steibls200/index

[Mark]

looks like a genuine Japanese sword. the Yoshimichi signature is very suspect, i would say gimei. hard to say what a value is without actually seeing the sword, probably $500-1000

 

I like the kabuto better, is it available for sale?

[Jamie]

Read books, Then buy swords.

 

I too am a beginner, and trust that this is sound advice.

you'll be much happier in the long run. These are expensive and time consuming to restore. You want your first purchase to be something you can enjoy after you buy it.

 

 

Samurai Sword: A Handbook

~John Yumato

The Japanese Sword: A Comprehensive Guide (Japanese Arts Library)

~ Kanzan Sato

The Connoisseurs Book of Japanese Swords

~ Kokan Nagayama

 

 

 

http://www.amazon.com/Samurai-Sword-Han ... 0804805091

 

http://www.amazon.com/Japanese-Sword-Co ... 0870115626

 

http://www.amazon.com/Connoisseurs-Book ... 4770020716

[raven2]

I am going to go with Mark on this one. Authentic sword, maybe $500-$1000 but hard to really say without better close ups of the blade. It will cost about $100/inch to polish it, if it is worth polishing. Save your money and wait for a better one. You can find better deals these days with blades in much better shape.

[Millsman]

Thanks to all of you for your advise and comments I will pass on this one.

 

The kabuto is not for sale it was advertised as a Meiji helmet so only a few bidders I got it for $1725.00 I was very happy at that price.Have since found suitable maedate and menpo.