Need Help With Translation

[EdWolf]

Hi to all,

Can someone please translate the following signature? Thanks in advance.

Regards,

Ed

 

[ROKUJURO]

MASASHIGE perhaps?

[Shugyosha]

Hi Ed,

 

Maybe Kanabo Masashige. The first two characters may be Kanabo (金房), but I'm not convinced that I've identified the first one correctly. I can't make anything sensible from the remainder, though some clearer photographs might take things further.

 

Being honest, I think you're going to have to wait for the heavy hitters to contribute.

 

Best,

John

[EdWolf]

Hi Jean and John,

 

Both thanks for your reply. For now, I only have one other photo. Maybe this helps.

 

Regards,

Ed

[mywei]

Agree with Kanabo Masashige

 

not 100% on the middle bits.

 

金房（?左近将監）正重

[Shugyosha]

Hi Matt,

 

This is as far as I got. I'm not sure it makes any sense and I'm not looking to contradict you, but I'll post it in case there is anything you can do with it...

 

金房化近將? 正重

[Shugyosha]

左近将監

 

Sakon Shōgen is an honorary title according to Markus Sesko's book so Matt nailed it. Apparently it was a court rank: "Lieutenant of the Left Division of Inner Palace Guards".

[EdWolf]

Thanks guys! So, if I understand well:

 

Kanabo                the school

Sakon Shōgen   the title of the swordsmith

Masashige          name of the smith

 

Is this smith also mentioned in Marko Sesko’s book?

 

Regards,

Ed