dwmc

Hello again NMB members, I posted this original information request back in Sept. 2016. I just wanted to follow up with anyone who may be interested as to what I have discovered. Shortly after I had purchased the sword, my research indicated it as possibly Kanbun era 1661-1673 Sukekuni. I eventually dismissed this probability because the mei was slightly off from those I had located for comparison online... Thus, I made a plea for help with NMB members in order to prevent myself going completely insane over the matter. Stephen (Oyabun) kindly provided me with information also indicating the Kanbun era Sukekuni of which I much appreciated, but promptly rejected as those among us that really have no business studying nihonto often do. I thought due to the slight differences in mei, and the well preserved appearance of the nakago, this could not possibly be Kanbun era. I've since come to the realization that nakago can be well preserved with file marks fairly intact, as for the mei, I couldn't begin to speculate what is 100% proof of sword smith signature, but am sure there are normally going to be slight differences, particularly in older blades. Therefore, due the above observation, as well as sugata and additional factors, I will return to Stephen's (Oyabun) original suggestion of the sword smith being that of the Kanbun 1661 Sukekuni . Again, NMB site always appreciated.. Dave M

Haven't given up yet... Still hoping someone can provide a photo of mei for Tobanshi Sukekuni ! Tenpo era (1830=1844) . Harima province. Yokoyama school. Teacher Sukenaga

Stephen, Just wanted to follow up with a bit more explanation to my previous reply. I had also identified the Kanbun Sukekuni as the potential swordsmith you mentioned in your response. The tag attached to the sword in the photo, at one point I had written Fujiwara Sukekuni. The mei is very simular, but after studying it at length, there where just too many differences. However, I would definitely appreciate telling me I'm wrong... Thanks again, Dave M

Stephen, Thank you for you input...I would truly love for this blade to be one of Sukekuni's you mentioned. I have compared a few of their meis from online examples and tried every way possible to convince myself it was one of them... unfortunately, I simply couldn't... Again Thank You, Dave M

Sorry...Forgot to sign name. Dave M

Hello NMB members, I have been following the NMB for quite some time and would like to express my appreciation for the incredibly generous information shared here...Sincerely, Thank you! This is a sword I purchased at an estate auction. I believe the mei translates as the topic title indicates "Minamoto Sukekuni." I've done as much online research as possible trying to determine which Sukekuni smith may have forged the sword. The mei comparisons I've located online don't seem to suggest Showa, Shinto,or Koto Sukekuni's. I'm thinking possibly Shinshinto Tobanshi Sukekuni, yet I have been unable to find a mei for comparison. If anyone should happen to have a Tenpo era Tobanshi mei it would be greatly appreciated. If I am completely off on my current line of thinking as to which Sukekuni (Possibly gimei or other wise) please don't hesitate to indicate so... Again my sincere Thanks...

Very nice indeed!! We could live three life times and not come across tassels like this again, great find... Also, Thanks again for noticing I was about to lose my wakizashi in the Marriots lobby last Sunday, the sword had just passed Shinsa. Dave Mc

All may be Showa era blades.... Blade 5 appears to be hantanto gunto bar stock. Blade 8 possibly Koa Isshin. Regards, Dwmc