Japanese sword history, origin and ownership.

[James Murdoch]

Hello All. My name is James Murdoch. My late Father had a sword brought back from Malaya during the 2nd world war. I have had the sword for 30 odd years now and was hoping for help to translate the writing on the inside of the handle, some history, manufacture and possibly who owned it. I have attached some pictures. Thank you so much. Best Regards. James Murdoch.

[uwe]

Welcome James,

your sword is a Wakizashi and seems to be by “Kanesada”. Signatur reads “和泉守兼定作” (Izumi no Kami Kanesada saku).

[Grey Doffin]

What Uwe said except: the sword is signed on the wrong side of the nakago (tang). No wakizashi should ever be signed on this side so I think we can assume that the signature is a fantasy.

Grey

[ROKUJURO]

James,

welcome to the NMB forum!

The pictures are not detailed and sharp enough to tell much in addition to what was written above. We cannot know the history of the blade other than that it was probably a rough one, considering the bad condition of the blade. It looks as if someone had tried to grind or sandpaper the blade which is a safe way to ruin it.

There is usually no hint to former owners unless there is a tag fixed to the blade. 

What I think I can see - no guarantee though - is that it is probably a blade that has been traditionally made. The possibly fake MEI (signature) on the wrong side lets me believe this was added later to enhance the value in a sale. 

Even if the market value may not be high, it may have a personal emotional value for you, so keep it dry and apply a drop of thin machine oil to the blade, not more! No excess oil should go into the SAYA (sheath)!

[James Murdoch]

Hello Uwe, Grey and Jean. Thank you all so much for responding, much appreciated. I do not know much else about the sword except that it was brought back to Rhodesia from Malaya in the 1940's. I guess i was wanting to know if the sword had any family history or sentimental value to a family that could be traced. I would gladly give the sword to any such family if they could be traced. Thanks again. James.