glaytham Posted February 24, 2018 Report Posted February 24, 2018 I recently acquired this sword from an interesting, old estate. I have been trying to make out the signature on the blade, without luck. Any suggestions for getting a good rubbing of it, even though the part of the blade with the signature is heavily oxidized? Thanks for your help! Quote
Stephen Posted February 24, 2018 Report Posted February 24, 2018 first you have to have it right side up. their read from blade down. 1 Quote
Ray Singer Posted February 24, 2018 Report Posted February 24, 2018 Appears to be signed ___住兼植 ____ ju kanetane. He was an Echizen smith, and the first part of the mei is likely Echizen. 4 Quote
J Reid Posted February 24, 2018 Report Posted February 24, 2018 Owned a wakizashi by this smith some time ago and I can confirm that the sugata is spot on. The nakago jiri and hamon (that I see) is also correct. I imagine the kasane is rather thick and the sword heavy for its size. Well made sword by a respected smith. Probably shoshin. Good find, IMHO 1 Quote
Geraint Posted February 24, 2018 Report Posted February 24, 2018 Dear Glaytham. And whatever you do don't be tempted to clean it! The oxidation on the tang is important to preserve as it is, any cleaning will devalue the blade by a considerable degree. Enjoy finding out about this sword and, who knows, maybe becoming a nihontophile. All the best. 1 Quote
glaytham Posted February 24, 2018 Author Report Posted February 24, 2018 Wow!! Thanks everyone for your help. Your deciphering skills are incredible, and your generosity is helping me is duly noted. Here is a better picture of the signature, as well as some photographs of the tsuba and other parts. Is there any chance that any of those are original to the piece, or do they all looks like later additions? Cheers! Quote
Ray Singer Posted February 24, 2018 Report Posted February 24, 2018 越前國北庄住兼植 - Echizen (no) kuni Hokushō ju Kanetane 2 Quote
Geraint Posted February 24, 2018 Report Posted February 24, 2018 Dear Glaytham. (Please add your name to your posts as per board rules). The fittings are run of the mill at best and the fact that the sword has three mekugi ana in the tang suggest that the fittings are not original to the blade. No dramas as remounting blades has gone on for a long time. However one of the three holes looks very new and it is possible therefor that the mounts have been added quite recently to this blade. Most of the interest here is in the blade itself. Time to do some research. Enjoy. 2 Quote
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