Mei Translation

[J Guzman]

Hello,

 

Can you assist in the translation identifying the signature if it's gemei or not?

This tanto has never been papered,  new polish and habaki.

[hxv]

Gassan Sadakazu

 

Can you post a focused, close up of the hada? It's a very nice tanto.

 

Hoanh

[cisco-san]

Hello,

 

the tang is signed Gassan Unryūshi Sadakazu” (月山雲龍子貞一) - very famous smith.

As Hoanh said, please post more focused pics.

[SteveM]

The reverse side is:

 

慶應二丙寅仲秋

 

Mid-Autumn, Keiō 2 (1866)

[DirkO]

Here's a papered example of 1867 - I'm not saying gimei or shoshin, Sadakazu was often faked.
There are a lot of similarities, but also some differences. 

 

 

 

 

[Stephen]

SHOSHIN

[SwordGuyJoe]

I agree with Stephen. Though, if there is a slot left in Tampa and you can get the sword in in time, I would pass this through shinsa. Though I like papers on all of my swords.

[Jacques]

Red flags below

 

[Brian]

Yes...but close enough to give it a serious shot. That is very nicely signed.

[Ryan]

Was the nakago cleaned? Wouldn't we expect more patina? I attached a blade dated 1864 for comparison that is coincidentally headed to Tampa this week.

[SwordGuyJoe]

Patina is acceptable based on examples I have seen. You see a LOT of variation on newer items. Gassan work is and was highly regarded, so I would expect a more pristine nakago given that fact (not toted off to war/the field as frequently and purchased more for collecting/appreciation).