cplenz1974 Posted October 24, 2014 Report Posted October 24, 2014 Hi all - I am new here and looking for help identifying a sword that my father acquired about 20 years ago at a flea-market in Portugal. We have NO intention to sell or otherwise list it, we are however interested to find out as much as possible about its origin and history. The vendor told my father that "it was a simple officer's sword". My research so far is pretty rudimentary, the blade appears to be steel, everything looks authentic though the Habaki looks out of place. The first two symbols of the inscription seem to indicate 1504 Eishou period. I may be way off... Looking forward to your feedback. Quote
cabowen Posted October 24, 2014 Report Posted October 24, 2014 Blade is signed Bizen Osafune Kiyo（？）mitsu and dated Eisho 4th year, 2nd month. Quote
cplenz1974 Posted October 24, 2014 Author Report Posted October 24, 2014 Chris - thanks for the quick info. Any thoughts on authenticity based on the overall look? What about the other items? Clearly the blade needs some help. Any comment on the Habaki in particular? I couldn't find any references to the shape other than on double edged swords of a much later time. ??? Quote
Lee Bray Posted October 24, 2014 Report Posted October 24, 2014 I think it is called a Kuwagata habaki and is styled after some old maedate on kabuto. Here's a pic stolen from ebay, with a link to the maedate for sale since I stole the pic... http://www.ebay.com/itm/Japanese-OLD-MA ... 3f3e45562c Quote
cabowen Posted October 24, 2014 Report Posted October 24, 2014 Chris - thanks for the quick info. Any thoughts on authenticity based on the overall look? What about the other items? Clearly the blade needs some help. Any comment on the Habaki in particular? I couldn't find any references to the shape other than on double edged swords of a much later time. ??? There were many who used the mei Kiyomitsu so it is hard to say.... Quote
george trotter Posted October 26, 2014 Report Posted October 26, 2014 This signature could also be read Norimitsu. (sorry can't do kanji). There were a line of Norimitsu smiths who all signed "Bizen" and/or "Bishu", including in Eisho period. I don't have my Hawleys handy but you can check Fujishiro Kotohen pp.278-279 and the Nihonto Meikan pp.736-737. The quality of the blade seems better than the usual kazuuchimono of this period IMHO. The habaki is correct and seems to be of good quality. The menuki seem to be the usual Showa period pressed tin type seen on civilian blades taken to war. Hope this helps, Quote
cabowen Posted October 26, 2014 Report Posted October 26, 2014 I think George is right! It is Norimitsu 法光, not Kiyomitsu..... Quote
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