Nobukuni?, but which smith?

[KuraiValo]

Hello,

 

I am looking for help in translating and figuring out which swordsmith it may be, or at least some help narrowing it down.

 

I believe the translation is Nobukuni, but I know there has been multiple Nobukuni's over the years. Any help or guidance is greatly appreciated!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you,

Jake

[ROKUJURO]

Jake,

this looks like a YOROI DOSHI, signed indeed NOBUKUNI (TACHI MEI). Comparing workmanship and signature to authenticated examples, probably in books, might be your way to find out the age. To me, it has a KOTO appearance.

I don't think the "KOSHIRAE" is original to the blade.

[Geraint]

Dear Jake.

 

For once in a very long while I find myself disagreeing with Jean.   If this is a yoroidoshi then it's for poking people from a long way off!  I think this blade was made as a shikomezue and therefore is post Haitorei,  As such I wouldn't invest too much in the mei which is likely to be at best an honorific.

This is one of the nicest blades of its type I have come across, true shobu zukuri.

 

All the best.

[Brian]

Jean must have missed the lower pics, it is easy to see this as much shorter from the first few pics. Agree with Geraint though. Originally made as a cane sword.

[Stephen]

Just lovely Jake, lucky fellow.

[Alex A]

Nice, unusual.

 

Nakago looks long

[ROKUJURO]

Yes, you are of course correct! Sometimes I see what I want to see.....SHIKOMIZUE it is! And not old!

[John C]

Nice blade. Wish we could own these in Cali.

 

John C.

[KuraiValo]

@ROKUJURO Thank you for the help and added confirmation!

 

@Geraint Thank you very much for all the information, period, mei, etc. It's all really helpful and it is also one of my favorite in my collection and I'm really happy to have it.

 

@Brian Thank you Brian for all the help and added confirmation!

 

@Stephen Thank you!

 

@Alex A It's both long and small at the same time. I guess part of also why I really like it.