Lilbuddha

Thanks Jacques. It is a katana. After looking at the picture I understand what you mean. There definitely is a noticeable difference between the two. Take care, Lilbuddha

Jacques- What about the shape of the nakago makes it gemei? Do you know where I can find pictures of a true Tadayoshi to compare? Also, I was told that this sword and a few others were brought back from a serviceman who served during WWII. If that is true is there a way to tell what period the sword is from? Now I'm curious as to when forgeries for Tadayoshis' were popular. Thanks Ed and Jacques for your input! Lilbuddha

Hello all- I recently purchased a sword from an antique dealer, who is going out of business. I would like to know if the signature on the sword is Tadayoshi or not. I am a novice to sword collecting as of three days ago, so I have a lot to learn and have been researching as much as I can store in my mind. I've attached pictures of the nakago with signature and nakago-jiri. From comparing the signature I believe the first two symbols are for the Hizen-to region. The third symbol I believe means province? Not 100% though. The fourth symbol I've seen described as "made by" and the last two I believe are Tada and Yoshi respectively. Am I close here or completely off base? Would I be able to tell which generation this sword was forged by? I've also been reading that Tadayoshi is prone to forgeries as well. Are there easy tells that would point out forgeries? Thanks for your time! Take care, Lilbuddha