Antique Nihonto without signature

[Niordian]

Hi, recently a dealer offer to source a antique Nihonto for me but without a proper signature as he mention the cost will be lower but I will still get a good sword. I was thinking this really comes down to my ability to be really able to appreciate the sword and identifying the hamon etc.

 

I am still very new to the nihonto therefore I know I will never be able to really identify one by myself. Can anyone here share experiences they have with geninue antique nihonto that comes without the engrave signature(peroid/maker/mfg area atc) OR even a season collector will not take such risk?

 

Any good materials I can start off with to increase my knowledge?

Appreaicate all comments and guidance.

[paulb]

Hi,

That is a huge subject which has had many posts relating to it. Many collectors with years of experience continue to debate about unsigned swords. Also a blade having a signature is no guarantee of quality. First step do a search here on Mumei blades and suriage blades. Also in the articles section you will see some some pieces on the subject that might help

regards

[Veli]

Hi!

 

Please sign your posts by your real name; discussion feels more relaxed that way!

 

On top of this page there is a link to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ); You can find a lot of advice and book recommendations from there.

 

If you want to have an unsigned sword with minimized risk, you might consider buying one with NBTHK or NTHK papers...

 

 

Veli

[estcrh]

Here is a good place to start, a visual sword glossary to help with the proper names for the different parts of the sword. Also look around the site as it has a lot of good information and the owner of the site is a member here.

 

http://home.earthlink.net/~steinrl/glossary.htm

[Grey Doffin]

All else being equal, an unsigned sword will generally cost less than a signed one. And lack of signature, by itself, does not mean lack of quality; both signed and unsigned swords can be terrible, great, or anywhere between. Buying a papered sword, as has been suggested, will give some insurance of quality. Buying a sword without paper requires knowledge obtained from books and study, and that would be a wonderful place for you to start.

Grey

[Niordian]

Hello All, thanks for all your inputs.

 

KW T

[Jamie]

you might consider the following books.

 

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.nbthk-ab.org/Etiquette.htm