Edo period sword?

[26Intrepid]

Hello all,

Another opportunity to purchase a WW2 type 98 (I believe). It looks to be in decent condition (With exception to the cutting edge). I don’t believe he’s selling this with the saya. It also appears to have a nice active hamon...

I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a tang with a filled hole... post war filler? I’m thinking this is an older blade...maybe edo? Or older?

The price would have to be a lot better in order to purchase.. I believe I can work with the nicks in the cutting edge if a deal can be reached.

These are the only pics... a bit blurry tang but hopefully good enough to read.

[Nick Komiya]

備前国住長船裕定作 Made by Hirosada Osafune of Bizen Domain.

[ghp95134]

I can see the 裕 .... but can't find any smiths called 裕定. Of course there is Sukesada 祐定.

備前国住長船祐定作
Bizen no Kuni-jū Osafune Sukesada saku

26Intreped, can we get a clear shot of the 3rd from last kanji? I see what Nick sees -- every stroke of 裕 ... but am wondering if a stroke or two is actually an artefact? What makes me even question the kanji is where the "mouth" 口 is placed

Observation:
裕. In the 谷 "valley" section the 口 would be more centered underneath, even when hand engraved.
祐. In the 右 "right" section the 口 would be placed abutting the downward stroke. That is what I see in this engraving.

Thanks,
-- Guy

[26Intrepid]

Hi Guy,

I will try to get a better pic but the seller is a little “Standoff-ish”

Communication between us hasn’t been so great so I wouldn’t count on another photo (Sorry).
He thinks that this sword could be worth around $15k after being repaired... hmmmm that sounds a tad bit high! Grin

[26Intrepid]

Hi Guy,

Here’s the tang... sounds like he’s gonna list on eBay and I hope he gets his asking price.

That’s the best pic he could take... still a bit blurry