Difficult to translate.

[ChrisW]

I've been struggling to capture this mei on camera with what I've got to work with. I think I've managed to get something.

Can anyone make out any part of this fragmentary mei? If not, I'll have to go borrow a friend's camera and get back to you all.

Thank you all for any and all effort expended in assisting.

[SteveM]

Presumably 備前（国住/人）長（船）

 

Bizen (something).... Osa (something)

 

   

 

 

[ChrisW]

Thanks Steve! I'll attempt to get something more defined on this and see if that helps. Any other takers or thoughts?

[PNSSHOGUN]

Think Steve has it, "Bizen Osafune xxxx  Naga". One of the most recognizable (and common) Mei after you've seen a few.

[Ray Singer]

Not Naga, just Bizen (no) kuni Osa[fune]... 

[ChrisW]

A shame its completely ameliorated, but being Bizen, there's definitely some probable suspects: Sukesada, etc.

[Bugyotsuji]

Better, steadier photos from different angles in different lights might help.

Can we see parts of another Kanji below the bottom 長? (e.g. Osafune as suggested above... 長船)

[ChrisW]

I'll see what I can do with a better camera Piers. My phone is definitely not cut out for it.

[ROKUJURO]

Chris,

I don't think it's the camera. As said above, try with light from the side and keep the camera steady.

Besides that, I think it is very difficult to make pictures of something that is no longer there.....Corrosion has eaten up some metal from the NAKAGO!

[Shugyosha]

I think Osa [fune] is as far as you can see/ deduce. Steve gave the rest of it.