Japanese Sword Appraisal

[TonyU]

Now, shouldn't we be talking about swords or something? :D
Yes, Thanks for the response, and I apoloigize for the thread thrift.
By coicindence I do have a sword question that you more knowledgable people may be able to help with. Also as a moderator if you feel it should be new thread let me know.
Last year a long time friend of my karate instructor passed away. He was well traveled and left a couple of Japanese swords to him.
What are good resources to attempt to authenticate the swords?
Thanks in advance.

[David Craik]

If the nakago is signed, Aoi Art of Tokyo is a good resource. Have you friend e-mail photos of the sword to them, and they will determine if it is genuine or not (wrt the mei {signature}) and can also estimate it's value. If he desires and would like the swords papered, they can issue a kanteisho (certificate) for the sword at $100 per sword. A kanteisho can make a sword much more desirable to collectors, as it has already been authenticated, and Aoi Art is very well regarded.

If you're ever in the mood to drool on your keyboard, have a look at the swords they have for sale at any given time. I wouldn't make enough in years to pay for some of these (and still have some money left over for such luxuries as food and indoor plumbing), but it sure is nice to look..

Anyway, here's their main site:

http://www.aoi-art.com/

And their appraisal page:

http://www.aoi-art.com/hanbaikousaku/hyoukakanti.html


There are also some very helpful links here:

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


Cary Condell is also pretty highly regarded for his knowledge and appraisal:

http://www.ikkyudo.com/ikkyudo/site/templates/index.php?content=home.html


I took the liberty of splitting this from the other thread, as appraisal really deserves it's own. :D

[TonyU]

Thanks for the info and links.
It's looks like it's going to be fun doing a little research on these swords. They look well worn and used.
I hope they are hidden treasures. I'll keep you updated as to what I find and if possible I'll post some pictures. That is unless of course I find that I've been fooled and are actually junk.
Oh, BTW have to keep constantly cleaning my keyboard. :laugh: