A Tired Katana - Nakago Markings

Hi, would it be possible to please obtain a reading of the Kanji on my Katana? I've been looking at the Kanji pages, but can't figure

it out yet.

I probably am wishfully hoping for someone to be able to read the markings on the Tsuba, any

suggestions to assist with a better image is appreciated. I've added two other pics, with different lighting.

Kind Regards

Ken

Hi Ken.

First image is the smith signature and the second is the date. Have a look here; http://www.jssus.org/nkp/common_kanji.html

First two kanji of the signature are the province, scroll down the page and you will find a mei that will really get you in the right direction.

All the best.

(By the way, the tsuba images are upside down.)

(By the way, the tsuba images are upside down.)

_________________

Geraint

Hmmm, it's been a long day. Funny either way up I still can't read them. I'll go and have a look at that reference.

Thanks

Ken

Dear Ken,

I'll make a start on this by way of practice, but take what I say with a pound of salt as I usually make some mistakes.

I think that the date is August in the 3rd year of Manji (万治) which started in 1658 so, if I am correct, it is dated the eighth month of 1651.

The signature begins Bizen kuni ju (備前国住). It wouldn't be unusual for the next part to read Osafune (長船) but I'm struggling to match the second kanji and after that it all goes a bit wobbly and hopefully someone with greater knowledge will come along shortly.

Best,

John is giving it away a bit at a time :D

I think I can make the mei on the tsuba read Kunihiro, not an uncommon mei on a plain iron tsuba like this.

Al ltthe best

I haven't got all my books handy but being a Bizen Osafune mei I would think it may be one of the many Sukesadas. There were so many of them that to differentiate they used their personal name above their swordsmith name. I your case it is likely to be as follows:

Bizen Kuni ju Osafune Shichi be i (cut) jo Sukesada (there is a Shichibeijo Sukesada in 1658 shinto hen 485)...or some other smith using this system.

As you have the date it should not be too hard to pin it down to a couple of culprits working in this area and time.

Good luck,