Sword Assistance

[Dean Brock]

I am trying to find out a little about this wakizashi, it was brought home by a veteran. I have very little knowledge with these, so any help as far as maker,age, price estimate etc. would be greatly appreciated. I tried to photograph it as best as possible.

thanks
Dean

[Dean Brock]

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[Dean Brock]

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[Dean Brock]

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[GHP]

Dean,

We need to see the tang. The case is called a shira-saya [white sheath aka "resting sheath"]. These are made for newly-polished blades and are used to store the blade when not in active use.

--Guy

[GHP]

相州住盛重

Sōshū-jū Morishige
Morishige, resident of Sagami Province

--Guy

[GHP]

This link shows two smiths who signed "相州住盛重" Sōshū-jū Morishige -- one in Tenbun era (1432-1555); the other in Kansei (1789-1801).

Hopefully one of our "house experts" will be able to give you some better information.


--Guy

[Dean Brock]

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[Dean Brock]

thanks Guy

[gunto]

Looks like it once had a leather cover on saya and the tsuka .
I say this due to the ashi on the saya.

[GHP]

Looks like it once had a leather cover on saya and the tsuka .
I say this due to the ashi on the saya.

I was wondering about that myself; then I thought "no, that can't be right" -- simply because a shirasaya handle is not made to incur the stresses involved in making a full-force cut. Even if the handle had a leather "battle wrap," it still would not be comfortable or structurally sound enough for combat use.

Still, the ashi makes one pause and think.

--Guy