Sword Identification Assistance Request

[DCman]

Good evening all,

 

Request assistance with the identification of this sword. It is a family heirloom passed down. Brought back from WW2. I have been told that the light colored piece of wood on the sheath was added at a much later date. Another bit of info passed down was that this sword was believed to have belonged to the Captain of the guard for the Emperor. Pictures below. Thanks for any assistance.

 

CHRIS

[takakage]

Hi,

 

It is written,

Shinkei Tanemitsu tsukuru

Keio san ni nen (1867, 2nd month).

 

A Naotane mon smith so be careful.

[Stephen]

Blade looks good the mounts look to ave a polynesian influence, must have been added later. 

[DCman]

Hi,

 

It is written,

Shinkei Tanemitsu tsukuru

Keio san ni nen (1867, 2nd month).

 

A Naotane mon smith so be careful.

You mention the above, should I be careful because of the rarity? Be careful and preserve? I will continue to research what you have told me. I appreciatte the assistance.

 

Chris

[Brian]

LOTS of fake signatures in Japanese swords, and especially the bigger the name. Swords without papers should be assumed to be gimei (false signature) until proven otherwise.
But there is always a chance, and Stephen is saying that this is a big name, and therefore you should be careful to investigate it properly, and also be careful to verify the signature before assuming either way.
I suspect gimei, but let's see what others say. Either way, it's a real sword with age, and a nice heirloom.

[Geraint]

"Stephen is saying",  or Patrick as he is sometimes known.  

[Brian]

Oops...

[PNSSHOGUN]

Tourist mounts, big name.......certainly be wary.