Looking for information on new sword

[Matt B]

Hello, 
 

I've recently purchased my first Japanese sword and know very little about them so I'm just looking for an overall opinion on it. (imgur link due to size limit https://imgur.com/a/G6dnBkD)

 

The auction had mentioned a time period of around the 1500's, is that a fair assumption, anything on the maker or area of the country? 

 

I ran this by a Facebook group and it was mentioned that the signature may be suspect due to it being lightly engraved as well some people thought it might be worth getting polished to restore the blade, but not if the signature was added after the fact. I'm not looking to second guess anyone there I'm just looking for the most information I can find out about it, I just wanted a real traditionally made old period sword and this was the first one that came up in my budget. Thanks for any information.

 

-Matt B.

 

[Ray Singer]

Matt, I was the one who provided the translation and the Yukihisa swordsmith bio (and did not see people questioning the authenticity). I don't generally see a lot of Takada with questionable mei. While I suppose any inscription could he faked, it does not seem (based on experience) that Bungo Takada is a common target for gimei. 

[Matt B]

Thanks Ray, it was a comment further down the reply chain about the engraving quality. 
 

I’ve been using the information you posted to do some research, are you able to recommend a good reference book? 

[Ray Singer]

I provided the bio from Sesko. I would suggest researching "Bungo Takada" online and you will find much info on the school.

https://www.google.com/search?q="takada"+site%3Anihontomessageboard.com&rlz=1C1GCEU_enUS954US954&oq="takada"+site%3Anihontomessageboard.com&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBCDg2MDhqMGo3qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

[Jussi Ekholm]

I think the signature style 高田住XX - Takada jū XX is very rare. I have a book of Bungo smiths and there are the 2 different Yukihisa smiths mentioned with small brief info on them but I cannot find a reference mei for either one. There is only one similar style mei in the book 高田住国久 Takada jū Kunihisa in the book but it seems even less info on this smith.

 

How long is your sword from the habaki notch to the tip in straight line?

[Matt B]

Jussi, 

 

from the notch to the point of the sword it’s approx. 21.5 inches. 

[Jussi Ekholm]

I feel late Muromachi could be plausible for the sword.

[Matt B]

Thanks for the helpful information, I knew this was a hobby deep learning curve and I'm enjoying reading up on everything.