r/nihonto

I have recenlty inherited a sword that i have zero information about, it has been kept in wrapped up in a cupboard for the past 40 years, was gifted to my farther a long time ago,if anyone has information on it if it is real or fake that would be useful for me! i am unable to take the handle off as i dont want to damage it because i dont know what i am doing.

any information is useful for me,i dont have anyone locally to me where i can take this into and get it properly looked at unfortunatly.

thank you !

Hey everyone! First-time poster. I own a katana that I am hoping the community can help me identify and value. I am considering selling it and want to better understand what I have before approaching dealers or auction houses.

Here is what I can observe:

• Full katana with a long curved blade

• Tsuba: distinctive winged/shell design, appears to be brass or shakudo

• Tsuka: black silk ito wrapping over same (ray skin), showing age and wear

• Habaki: brass collar at the base of the blade

• No saya (scabbard)

• Blade has surface patina and oxidation consistent with age

• I have not removed the handle to inspect the tang for a signature (mei). I know this requires removing the handle pin (mekugi) and would prefer to have a specialist handle this so I don't risk damaging the sword

I don't know the provenance or history of the sword — no family backstory or paperwork unfortunately.

Photos attached include the full sword, tsuba from both sides, tsuka wrap, same (ray skin) detail, and the pommel end.

Any help identifying the period, school, maker, or potential value would be hugely appreciated. Happy to take more photos if needed. Thanks in advance!

Katana attributed to the famous Dotanuki school from Higo. Dotanuki became famous when they won the contest in the early Edo period as the sharpest and strongest swords in Japan. The challenge was to cut a helmet as deep as possible without damaging the blade. The famous TV samurai Kozure Okami (Itto Ogami) used a Dotanuki blade to destroy his enemies.
 
NBTHK Hozon certified to Dotanuki.
Blade in shirasaya
Ware shown in photos, common for this school
Nagasa: 27.25 in, 69.23 cm
Please PM for any questions
 
Price: $4,500+shipping

My understanding is it is an edo period piece that was likely a gift to a noble, or person of some import, with the inscription (probably) yukinaga, offering the recipient a long life, happiness, or fortune.

Update showing tang images.

Original post: https://www.reddit.com/r/Katanas/s/7nHYGuNwi0

I'm not sure I'm seeing anything except rust. There might be some shapes, but might be pareidolia on my part.

Please advise!