[raym]

Wakizashi: more photos​

Topic:



Topic author: BradB
Subject: Wakizashi: more photos
Posted on: 10/22/2006 9:51:26 PM
Message:

Thanks for the information below guys. The blade is 22 1/4 along the muni-machi. Tsuka is partially unwrapped, but all the wrapping (ito) is present. Kashira and Tsuba are missing. Both Menuki present (Foo Dogs). Blade is in period polish but not enough to show hada well. Not bad for its age. No openings or other Kizu or Ware. Photos below. ​

Mei​

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Temper line​

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Tsuka​

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Menuki and Fuchi​

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Overall views​

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Nicks in Blade (minor). ​

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Replies:

Reply author: Guntojim
Replied on: 10/22/2006 11:00:47 PM
Message:
Brad, Your sword was made by a smith of the Takada School in Bungo Province. This school was active from 1300 thru 1520. The smiths of this school frequently took names incorporating "yuki", which yours does. As soon as my eyes uncross in the morning I'll see if I can get the rest of the name. Unless somebody comes along that can read the language[ hope, hope, hope!]that is. As a side note , Bungo Takada blades were not known for their artistic atributes but were respected for their cutting abilities. Regards, Jim​

Reply author: Edokko
Replied on: 10/22/2006 11:04:59 PM
Message:
Brad, I believe the mei reads "Bungo Takada-ju Fujiwara Yukinaga". I'm in DC right now on a biz trip and do not have the books with me to check any background of this smith but if real signature, the wakizashi will be aged about 330 years ago (Kanbun era). How is the blade condition.
I was in Tulsa for the weekend and picked up a very nice condition blade and koshirae Mantetsu, Koa-Isshin sword.​

Reply author: BradB
Replied on: 10/23/2006 04:54:19 AM
Message:
Thanks guys! The blade is "OK"... no pitting or kizu. Polish about 85%. Couple small chips in edge, but shallow and would polish out. Koshirae not nearly as well preserved. I can post more photos tonight. Any more info appreciated.​

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Reply author: Guntojim
Replied on: 10/23/2006 10:48:43 AM
Message:
Brad, Another reference shows the Takada school going thru the early 1700s. Fujiwara Yukinaga was active thru the second half of the 17th century. Am looking forward to more photos. I've got a Bungo Takada Yukihisa wak in gunto mounts . Would your sword be available for trade? Jim​

Reply author: Bill B
Replied on: 10/23/2006 9:47:56 PM
Message:
Brad thats a real beauty! Did you recently get it? It's great seeing swords on the forum please post'em when you get'em. Thanks for sharing. Bill B​

Reply author: 03man
Replied on: 10/23/2006 10:05:23 PM
Message:
Nice blade, congrats on the find.​

Reply author: Clyde from Carolina
Replied on: 10/24/2006 09:36:30 AM
Message:
Very nice looking blade. Even with the period polish, the hada looks interesting. Thanks for sharing.​