howard_e2001

In the Swordsmith Index of the website, I found the below information. This is the closest to the signature that is on my yari - SANSHU YOSHIDA RAI KANEFUSA. Would it be reasonable to assume that the signature on my spear is a shortened version of what is below? Kanefusa ID KAN755 Province Mikawa Era Jōō (1652-1655) Active Period 1652-1655 Source Rating Reference/Page Hawley 15 KAN755 Signatures: 三州吉田住藤原来兼房 sanshū yoshida ju fujiwara rai kanefusa 三州藤原来兼房 sanshū fujiwara rai kanefusa

The description was: ANTIQUE MID 17C Japanese YARI SPEAR KANEFUSA: THE TRANSLATION READS SANSHU YOSHIDA RAI KANEFUSA I attached the pictures from the auction. They are a good representation. It is approximately 55.25cm overall length. At its widest, at the base of the blade, it is 2.46cm. The blade length, from tip to where it would enter the shaft, is 24.13cm. The very tip of the spear, probably 1mm, is broken off. the sides of the blade are excellent - no chips, nicks or damage Overall the steel is in very good condition. Minimal pitting and discoloration. I would think most of that could be resolved with a good polishing. After fees and taxes, I paid approximately $231 USD. I don't know if this was a good buy, financially speaking, but I thought it was a fascinating piece of history. Curious to know your opinion. Howard

Hello. I actually just bought the yari that is referenced in the above conversation. I purchased it from an auction in Ft. Worth Texas. I have no idea how it ended up in Texas. The information passed I received was that this yari was made in the mid-17th century, but I do not know if that is accurate. Is there any way to learn more about the maker? I believe the Kanefusa line of swordsmiths goes back to the 1400's. I can provide additional pictures of the yari, if it would be useful to anyone.