help with inscription please

[Mark]

i have a blade by Enshin, i can read the Date but not sure about the line on the left, it seems to be a "custom order" but i can't understand it.  seems to say something about #9 in 100.  any help appreciated. i will have it listed for sale in my dealer section shortly

 

thanks

mark

[SteveM]

大正三年八月日
百錬第九号為熊田源太郎氏

 

Taishō 3, August

Hyaku-ren dai kyūgō tame Kumada Gentarō shi

 

Made for Gentarō Kumada, "hyaku-ren", No. 9 ("Hyaku-ren" = hundred trials/temperings, euphemism for "strength through repetition"). I don't understand the "Number 9" reference. Maybe it has some signifigance when used with hyaku-ren, but in this case I think it might refer to the style of blade. Maybe someone else can confirm, or offer a better explanation.

 

Gentarō Kumada was a local politician, businessman, and philanthropist. I don't know if the name on the sword refers to the exact same person, but my guess is that it does, and that this sword was presented to the Gentarō Kumada mentioned above.

 

http://www.hakusan-museum.jp/kuretake/about/

 

 

[Mark]

Steve-san

 

Thank you. The link was interesting, seems he was a very progressive and kind person.  At least i feel a bit better not being able to figure out the inscription myself, it does seem challenging

 

thanks again

mark