Francis Wick

I compared to a few existing examples not that there are many on the Internet to look at and the way that the kanji are inscribed and shaped look very different. His signature is typically very finely and very carefully carved. Specifically, the last character of the date looks very different.

Thank you Uwe 👍🏻 do you agree with my assessment that it is likely gimei ?

Thank you for the quick reply Ray. At first glance, looking at a few other examples it looks gimei to me for sure.

I tried to use the Sword Smith kanji help pages and got as far as “ Saku Kore “ I have decided I’m pretty helpless at this ! 😂 if anybody is willing to take a “stab” at this, I would appreciate it. It looks Shinto or Shin Shinto

Ok thanks so it looks like the picture in the lower right

Thank you Ray 🙏🏽

Hallo and thanks Can anyone recognize this Mei ? The second character looks asif it’s written in “ grass script “ or calligraphy type script ? I’m not aware that this type of script was used in ancient times but the blade looks pretty old perhaps pre muromachi thanks francis

Stay away, lots of red flags. Pitting is unusual, possibly retempered , nakago welded on newer blade ? Just looks off

Obviously a modern blade ( possibly not even traditionally forged and water quenched ) , with alterations to the behaviour to try and make it look old. The other possibility is an older nshago welded in to a modern blade. In either case it’s not old and not worth much in my opinion

Thanks so much guys much appreciated

Hi and thanks I’m trying to find a reliable person to handle the process of getting a few swords into Japan for polish, shirasaya, NBTHK papers etc. Tried one ,but he might be away or unavailable not answering my emails. Any suggestions or contact details would be much appreciated. Thanks

Very interesting info Jussi

Some folks seem to think it’s a kantei point for nambokucho era, but I can find any strong reference to this effect. Once I have the blade I will take better pics.

Could also be shinto or shin Shinto recreation of suriage koto