Yasunsori, Katana, Sumeri sword value

[sdh1911]

I have a 27.6" Katana sword made by the very renown Yansunori. My wifes uncle brought it back from the Phillipenes in 1945. Yansunori made swords for the imperial shrine from 1935 to 1945 and then switched his location and markings and continued making them until 1971. I have a Takentoru, which he made special order during his years with the shrine. This one was made for 2,600 years of the coutawali of the emperor. I did a lot of research on this sword, because of the inconsistencies from the buying experts. The maker of this sword made swords for Tojo, Terauchi and prince Higashikuni. I assume this would impact the value somewhat. I was offered $3,800.00 for it in 1998 from a collector/retailer who did not share any information on it, only saying it was a great find. I am considering selling it but, don't really know how much I should be asking. Do any of you guy's have any idea what I sould be asking for it? Many thanks-SDH

Information

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[sdh1911]

These pics are of the sword described in yesterdays post, I sure hope somebody knows how to read this stuff-SDH

[Pete04]

These pics are of the sword described in yesterdays post, I sure hope somebody knows how to read this stuff-SDH

Yes, loosely translated it reads "no tickie, no shirtie, want to argue roundeyes?" or something close to that.
Pete

[Claven2]

I wish I knew something about it to contribute, but all I can come up with is "nice sword!" Sorry...

[sdh1911]

Thar makes more sense than what some of the experts had to say-SDH

[unsub]

I would suggest taking it to a reputable dealer like ninhonto.ca and seeing if they are interested in consigning it. That way it is in their best interest to get you the best price and they have the expertise to know what it is.
Their site is worth it just for the incredible ninhonto screensaver. I would be surprised if it was worth less than 10 grand.

Right now could be the best time to sell a ninhonto as they are incredibly overpriced at he moment. Movies like Kill Bill and the japanese government banning exports have driven prices really high. It seems like every cheesy stock broker or TV exec in the US wants one mounted over his desk as well.

I would sell the ninhonto and buy a few euro napoleonic era and smallswords as well as some good examples of early sword bayonets especially the pioneer models. With the cash left over you could probably buy a nice motorbike as well.

[Ricky123]

Yikes... I love seeing...Can you please tell me what I should sell this for?
Pull down your coveralls lad...
First it is a Shin Shin Gunto and made by someone who is known an registered. Thats what is the good news....
Bad news..there are over 80,000 registered and known makers... you got one.
Tojo told me to avoid any sword he owned... due to mildew in his basement...
Seriously... condition... quality... and who is collecting the style or type of sword all has to be figured into the mix. I am a collector...but I do not collect Gendido swords... The most I have ever seen one sell for was $5000 and that was in prestine condition and with very special Voodoo. Good luck

[sdh1911]

Thanks Rick, I'm having the Kanji verified as we speak. I ran down the maker and found he made 1,600 high end swords in his life time and less than 20 celebration swords. The maker yasunsori was highly respected and made many swords for Japans higher than average customers. As far as the value, I guess that would be a crap shoot unless someone was looking for this exact type of sword. Once its reliably evaluated may try some sort of E-Auction, just don't know yet-SDH

[Will Durant]

I would like to have it in front of me,but,it appears to be a fairly "young"blade.The scabbard appears to be a naval officers dress sword.That is about all I can make out from the small images on my monitor.Will

[sdh1911]

The sword was taken of a Japenese Army officer in the Phillipense after being shot by my uncle in law. The blade is 27.625" long not the normal 24" for Navel issue. The handle has the shark skin with string wrap and the scabbard is a thin leather wrap. It was made around 1940 for celebration of 2600 years of the coutawolio (my spelling sucks) I've been researching it for months now and its finally coming together. Once the Kanji is verified, I'll be good to go on this one-Thanks-SDH