Sword 3 is an unidentified blade most likely of Chinese origin. The sword has a small removeable dagger hidden at the base of the handle. The combined length is just over 43 inches. The dagger is 10 inches in length when removed (blade and handle). The sword material appears to be damascus steel. There is a visible rippling effect throughout the entire blade. I believe the handle for both the sword and the dagger are bamboo. The sheath is made of the same material, with a metal interior. The primary blade has inscriptions at the base of each side of the blade. One side says two things, the first part says “momokawa” (百川) which is the name of an old rakugo play. The second part might be “morihito” (守仁), a first name probably (though not a common one). We could possibly be looking for a smith called Morihito Momokawa? I only recognize two characters on it, 正 (translates to "correct"/"right") and 二 (translates to "two") (it’s upside down in the pic). I'm not certain on their combined meaning. The inscription is of Chinese origin but is also used in Japan. The dagger is made of a different metal from the primary blade. It is soft, light, and flexible. There is heavy rust/tarnish present on the dagger.
Dimensions
Acquired From:
Auction House
Dear Daniel, Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry. My sincere apologies for the delay with the appraisal. The presented object appears to be a set of a Japanese katana sword and tanto dagger. The scabbard and the handles are covered with ray skin and brass fittings. The blade proportions of the katana are quite stretched and the blade is thin. The blade appears to be signed with the name Morihito (守仁) Momokawa (百川). There are swordsmiths mentioned with the surname Momokawa (百川) but not with this full name. Usually, katanas are signed on the tang and not on the blade. This set appears to be made in the 19th century. Comparable objects were recently offered and sold on the international auction market. This piece is in medium to good condition and there is no serious damage visible in the images provided. A fair market estimation would be between 300 to 600 USD. This estimate is based on actual recent past recorded auction sales of comparable items. Retail "asking prices" can be higher and may vary. With kind regards, George
