Fujiwara Tadayoshi

[Prewar70]

I'd like some input on this wakizashi.  I have not found a mei to match, but this is well chiseled, and nakago is finely made.  Rest of sword is nice, looks Hizen school, no papers.  Thank you

 

[Tom Darling]

Fujiwara Tadayoshi, doubt it.

 

 

 

Tom D.

[Ganko]

There is a 9th gen mei in the "Tomei Soran" signed Hizen Kuni Tadayoshi that looks cut similarly to me.

[Ray Singer]

It is always good to bring these pieces for Roger Robertshaw for an opinion: http://hizento.net/index.php

 

Best regards,

Ray

[Prewar70]

I spoke with Roger, and he said, gimei gimei gimei!.  I have Roger's book, and the only generation that I found that may have signed using only these characters was the 9th generation.  THere is one rough picture of a mei and Roger's caption is "rare".   I don't know, maybe someone else here has more information.  To me, in hand, the mei seemed well cut and overall quality of the sword above average.

[Bazza]

 

James, I have some Hizento from the nidai down to a WW2 Hizento and have seen numerous others including Shodai.  I do like the look of your wakizashi - the nakago is well-shaped, the yasurime well-executed (note the very slight upslant reminiscent of the sandai Mutsu no Kami) and the mei well-chiselled as you observed.  From what I can see of the hamon it appears to be of good, consistent quality. I agree with your "above average" call and if I had it I would get this into the hands of a top polisher for a window and opinion...

 

BaZZa.

[Prewar70]

Thanks. Bazza for the help and opinion. IT's an unusual mei not encountered often if at all from what I can find. If I'm lucky enough to be able to purchase I will let you know.