Nick H

Thank you both for your information and my apologies for my tardy response. It has been about 15 years since I last participated here and had forgotten how to properly navigate. I am a senior with limited computer skills and had not set up any notification preferences. I really appreciate your help.

Thank you so much for your translation Moriyama. Knowing the barrel maker and date is very helpful and much appreciated.

Tanegashima Matchlock with inlaid 29 5/8 in. heavy round inlaid barrel signed on the underside.

I have recently acquired two Tanegashimas from a private estate and would greatly appreciate any help in interpreting the signatures under each barrel. The first is a .50 cal. 41 1/2 inch octagonal inlayed barrel with a partial signature due to corrosion that I am sure will be challenging. The second is a .60 cal. 29 5/8 inch heavy round fully inlaid barrel with a clear full signature. Any help will be very much appreciated and thanks in advance…….Nick H.

My mistake on the blade / Nagasaki. The OAL is 27 3/8". The nakago is 5 7/8" and the Nagasaki is 21 1/4". Thanks, Nick

Sorry. I don't know what happened to the pics. I'll try again.

Additional pics as promised. Apologies for quality but I hope they help. Blade is 24 1/4" and OAL is 27 1/4". Cheers, Nick

Hi Geraint, I'll take and post some more pics early next week and thanks for you interest. All input is most welcome. Cheers.

Many thanks again Ray. Now I have a real focus for additional research. 1st generation, 2nd etc and of course to try to determine originality of the the Mei and condition assessment of the blade. Nick H

Many thanks Ray. I am a complete beginner so please forgive my ignorance. Is Yoshiuji the last name of the smith? And if so, what do we know of him or where else can I go to find out more about this Wakizahi? Originality, knowledge of the smith, period etc. Any additional feedback would be appreciated. Thanks Nick H

My first Nihonto and help would be very much appreciated with the translation of the attached mei. I hope it's real !!! Additional photos can be provided. Thanks. Nick H

Wow. Now that's a response!! Very many thanks Steven. I obviously have a learning adventure ahead of me. Thanks again.

That's great Steven , but what does it mean? What period etc. I'm told the sword was used in the Russian-Japanese war.

This is the first time I have asked for assistance anywhere on this