Old Sword

[Kanenaga]

I need some help with kanji identification on the corroded and worn tang of an old sword. I acquired a nice kai-gunto koshirae at a SF show, and this "bonus" blade was inside. It looks to be an early shinto sword in Mino style, machi-okuri (to fit the wartime koshirae, perhaps), with very little boshi remaining. It seems to be signed TANGO (no) KAMI FUJIWARA something something, and maybe something else. The last two (or three) kanji are hard to make out, the first may be YOSHI. Not easy to see or photograph, but here's my best shot. Any assistance appreciated.

 

[Ray Singer]

__ Fujiwara Jumyo. 

 

https://nihontoclub.com/smiths/JU32

[xiayang]

The sword seems to be slightly suriage and the last character is incomplete.  To me it looks like

 

[丹後守]藤原壽命 = [Tango no Kami] Fujiwara Jumyō

 

Compare with this example: http://nihontocraft....ami_Jumyo_Katana.htm

[Kanenaga]

Thanks so much, Ray and Jan. Blazing fast answer.

What a great resource this message board is!

[lonely panet]

11 hours ago, Ray Singer said:

__ Fujiwara Jumyo. 

 

https://nihontoclub.com/smiths/JU32

ray with the super eyes 10 out of 10

[Toryu2020]

Page 613 in the Meikan - looks like only one generation used this title...

[PNSSHOGUN]

Can we see the rest of the blade and Kai Gunto mounts?

[Kanenaga]

John,

 

Here's the kai-gunto, from one of the NCJSC Cherry Blossom Festival photos (see Tom's post in General Discussion). I'm no expert about these things, but the mounts appear to be in wonderful condition, the saya is same, the tsuka has "honest" wear.  I can do better detail photos if you wish.

The bonus blade is 26.25 inches nagasa, has typical Mino features with togari hamon, a few ware, and the boshi is ??? 

As I wrote, I thought I was buying the mounts. They came from a very experienced dealer who told me, as I walked away with it "oh, by the way, there's an old blade inside."

 

Les

 

[PNSSHOGUN]

Thanks Les, looks like a very nice Koshirae. Funny that until a few years back that Gunto mounts were the afterthought, rather than an old blade.