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[Matting2]

I have recently received a couple swords from my parents estate. One appears to be old. Both were brought back after WW2. The older sword has a Mei with only a name Shigimasa. Is there a way to tell to approximate date it was created? I would also like to find out any information about the sword smith. I have become obsessed with finding out the history of this sword. But I guess that is a common occurrence  here.

[Geraint]

Hi Mark.

 

Just to add to what I have posted on the other thread, there are a few smiths signing Shigemasa, mostly around 1500 to 1600.  In this field as in all the arts there is the possibility of a false signature but I think it less likely in this case.

 

Can you do a photograph of the whole blade straight on, one of the tip and one of the whole tang?  Tat might help us pin it down a little for you but whatever happens it is a sword made quite some time ago.

 

All the best.

[Matting2]

I will try to take a lot of blade pics tonight and post tomorrow. My wife thinks that I am a little obscessed with this thing. I think she is right.

 

[Geraint]

Trust me, this is only the beginning!  It is a fascinating subject and one which can all too easily become, if not an obsession, then at least a lifelong interest.  I stumbled across my first Japanese sword when I was about fourteen, still have it and still have the interest.

 

All the best.