Noshu Kanenobu

[paulb]

Dear all,

Definitely out of my comfort zone and looking for help. I have been asked to look at some blades. One of these was a gunto mounted work signed Kanenobu. Before seeing the blade I had assumed it was by the smith listed in John Sloughs book, however when it arrived the kanji were different than those illustrated. The nobu character is the older style (see attached image). Searching previous posts here I believe this may be by the illustrated smiths father and teacher who signed this way. However I also understand there were other smiths using this mei at the same time. 

This is a very good Gendaito in excellent Showa mounts with a pierced guard and filed dress Knot. I think t needs polishing (scratched in places obscuring the detail of what looks to be a very active hada.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Brian]

Little bit of photoshop...

 

 

[paulb]

thank you Brian

[mecox]

Paul, your sword is Niwa Kanematsu Kanenobu (born 1874).   His son was Niwa Shuji Kanenobu (born 1903).

There is a summary of them in NMB Downloads:  

 

[paulb]

Fantastic, thank you Malcolm very much appreciated

[PNSSHOGUN]

Hi Paul, would love to see the fittings if you have photos.

[mecox]

Paul, there is a bit more on the Kanenobu in this paper: