Gentlemen.

This morning received email offering this wakizashi.

Following are the pix he sent.

Haven't seen it in person but must assume that the handle wrapping, menuki, kashira & fuchi are gone.

Blade looks to be in poor polish; possibly a knick in the edge. Don't know anything about the temper line.

I know this is difficult but...
What kind of value would anyone put on this item as shown?

Thanks for any help.

tang

tsuba

Thanks to Andy(militarynut) for some very helpful, objective and informative emails regarding this sword.

If you buy this sword, post some more pictures of it please

My brother owns one that is in better shape and I own one that is of lesser value. (Inherited from our dad who bought both in Tokyo on his way to Taiwan where he was an advisor to Chang Kai Shek).
I have done very little research but can tell you a couple of things;
1. The engraving on the tang should tell the reader the age and the maker of the sword. The writing on my brother's indicates the name of the man who made it and which family it belonged to as well as the date (1600's)of manufacture.
Mine has no writing.
2. The fact there is a single hole in the tang is desirable. Mine for example, has 3 holes. My brother's has 1 hole like yours.

My blade and guard are in good shape but it too is missing the weaving. My sheath is split and one of the two knives is missing. I was given an estimate of about $2,000.00 as is. It would cost about that - perhaps less to restore it.

My brother's - which is closer to yours but in better condition was roughly valued at $5,000.00 but may be much higher with a hands on inspection.
I think it's the same as with German Daggers in that you have to have a hands on inspection by someone who has a reputation for being honest and knowledgeable.

Good Luck!

I think you may try to show your wakizashi at Nihonto Message Board
Lot of knowledgeable and helpful guys over there.

Hi,

The last 2 kanji are the smiths name and they read Tsunahiro. Don't have any books handy so will have to look later. The pics are not good enough to determine whether the signature is genuine or not. The condition of the sword is also not the best so you cant really see much. Looks like it could have possibility's though.

As fare as value it might fall in the $500-800 with out being able to see much. keep in mind if there are flaws the price could drop significantly.

Just my 2 cents,

Bill Rannow
Minneapolis Minnesota
Fine Japanese Swords & Antiques
www.artswords.com
AND
Quality WWII German Militaria
www.collectorsmilitaria.com

Thanks to everyone for your input.

I saw the wak "in person" a while ago(end of last November) and, after all things considered, passed on it at the asking price of the seller ($1500). It had nice features and proportion but blade condition ( no carbon pitting but deep, overall discoloration) plus missing parts just did not appeal to my collecting tastes.

Sorry, no additional pictures to facilitate even an academic discussion re: this sword.

Thanks again.