Sword 2178

[tokashikibob]

Gents,   Ran up the Interstate to pick up sword 2178 today.   A Army engineer named Munston brought it back in 45.   I did not notice initially but there seems to be one character left on the nakago.   Or maybe not?   After consulting some references I thought maybe SA.   Anyone else have a opinion?

 

Best regards,

  Bob

[SwordGuyJoe]

The mei looks like Sa to my eyes.

[Bruce Pennington]

Soooo - "2178" means that you've bought that many swords over the years?!?!

[tokashikibob]

Soooo - "2178" means that you've bought that many swords over the years?!?!

Bruce, Nah I wouldn't wish buying that many on anyone. ,  That's the armory number on both sides of the nakago.   The silver kamon on the tsuka and koto blade made me go up and get it otherwise I am on a Japanese sword buying sabbatical.

[tokashikibob]

The mei looks like Sa to my eyes.

Thanks Joe!

[PNSSHOGUN]

Can we get more photos of the blade please? Family mon on the kashira is always a good sign.

[tokashikibob]

John,  Here is a pic of the kamon and of the blade.   The kamon does not show up in my books or from my online search. Anyone have a family name to go with the officer who carried this? 

 

  Blade is in good shape,  cut down tachi,  no nicks in blade edge.   Desperately needs a polish.   Looks like a tight itame / mokome with crisp nioi guchi line.    If it ever is decreed to be a real Sa blade then drinks on me at the show.

 

Best regards,

  Bob

[PNSSHOGUN]

Yep, that's a family name inlay. Try the translation section if nobody here can decipher it.

 

High grade mounts seem to hold better quality blades more often than not. Could be a good candidate to get a window opened up.