I have a signed Short Sword, a Tanto, which was also commented on the tang, "On a good day in late summer." It was made by a Japanese swordsmith named Teruhiru, who was last making swords sometime before 1060 AD. This swordsmith founded a school or style of sword making and was one of the finest sword makers of his time. It still is so sharp one could shave with it safely and still shows much of the colors of the case hardening on the blade. It needs polishing which, I was told by an expert on Japanese Samurai blades would bring all the rainbow colors out on this blade and multiply the value by five or six times what it was currently worth. The expert then offered me $50,000 for it as is. I declined.
That's when the expert then offered to have it polished for me by one of Japan's Living National Treasures for about $250 per inch. . . per side. That would cost me about $5000. He told me they polish these blades using talcum powder as an abrasive and it takes about a day or two per inch. I thought it might not be to a bad investment to make the blade worth $250,000 or so.
But then he also mentioned there was a big CATCH in his offer. Once the blade arrived in Japan for polishing, it could NEVER, EVER leave again. . . nor could it be sold. I could arrange to lend or GIVE it to a Japanese Cultural Society of my choice, for display, with a tasteful placard saying "On loan (or donation) from the collection of (Swordmaker) -- USA" and I could visit my property from time to time and enjoy a delightful tea ceremony with the director of the society as thanks for my gracious loan or gift. I again declined.
I've heard there is someone skilled in polishing these blades now living in the USA. . . I wonder what he charges?
My late Father-In-Law had around a dozen Japanese swords. He was the armorer for his outfit and found himself assigned to the Kokura arsenal when the war ended.
He picked out the best Nambu he could find and kept it along with the swords. He gave me the Nambu around 1975. I was hoping to get the swords too but his worthless Son almost certainly sold them.
He did say they were not Samurai Swords and I am sure he was right except I think a couple of them were. He showed me how the handles came off by tapping out wooden plugs which then released the slabs.
I saw one on TV and it looked exactly like that. Even the plain military ones would have been worth something I figure.
Awesome. Words do not suffice.