Is This Fujiwara Kinmichi?

[Brad737]

Hello all,

 

The seller claims this Nihonto was made by Iga No Kami Fujiwara Kinmichi. The mei looks authentic to me, except the kanji for “Kami” looks different then others I’ve seen. Do you think this is authentic? If it doesn’t say “Iga no kami”, can you please tell me what it says?

 

If the consensus is that this is an authentic piece, I plan on submitting to shinsa. I have already spoken to a respected polisher. He says the blade should polish out nicely. I’ll also have a nice shirasaya made for it. I don’t mind spending the money if it seems legit. But if it seems fake, I’ll return it for a refund.

 

Can you folks please help out a newbie?

 

Thanks,

Brad

[SteveM]

Yes, it says 伊賀守藤原金道 (Iga-no-kami Fujiwara Kinmichi)

 

I don't know if its authentic or not. I would also ask the other gents on the board if this blade could be submitted to shinsa as is - it looks like it needs a polish, but maybe it can be submitted in its current condition.

[Brad737]

Steve,

 

It definitely needs a polish. I’m VERY new to the hobby, and don’t know how clean a blade should be for shinsa. I certainly don’t mind paying for a nice polish, but I’d like to make sure it’s legit before spending the money.

 

My big concern is the Kami character. It doesn’t look like the kanji I’ve seen online.

 

Thanks,

Brad

[Ray Singer]

Just my opinion, but it seems not too hard to find ubu, signed and papered Kinmichi for reasonable prices at or below what it might cost to restore this suriage blade.

[Ray Singer]

Andy Quirt has what appears to be an authentic, ubu, sandai Rai Kunimichi for $2,000 which is seems to be in a fairly good state of polish. Perhaps just needs shirasaya and could be sent for a stateside shinsa.

 

http://nihonto.us/RAI%20KINMICHI%20JP.htm

[Brad737]

Thanks, gents. I’ve contacted the seller. I’m going to return it for a refund.