Fuchi Kashira identification (small mixed lot)

[Patinamax]

Hi all, to start, I am not particularly versed in nihonto parts so apologies for my knowledge. This was a mixed lot that came into my store some time ago that we couldn't locate until recently, from a purchase likely over 3 or 4 years ago. It is definitely a mixed lot, from various eras (I was also told the one with the dragon is likely a modern replica). Any information would be very appreciated, and I would be happy to provide more pictures if needed. Thank you in advance! I will try to upload the couple pictures that did not make it onto the main post in the thread.

[Patinamax]

Last two pictures - again, feel free to request more.

[Geraint]

Dear Lance.

 

Just to get the ball rolling.

From your photographs all genuine, the dragon is not a reproduction.  The shakudo fuchi is pleasant, as is the dragon on iron for my taste but all have suffered over the years. The brass one might be described as Nara school, compare here, https://japaneseswordbooksandtsuba.com/store/tsuba-kodogu/r125-fuchi-kashira-nara/

 

Hope that helps a little.

All the best.

[Shugyosha]

Hi Lance,

Not much to add from Geraint other than I've taken a stab at translating the mei on the signed fuchi - I'm not very confident in it as I can't find a similar name elsewhere on the internet so I may have misread a kanji or two, but it may get things moving and give the better linguists a prod to correct me. @SteveM

 

I have: 古河住千氏冶作 - Koga ju Chishiya saku. Made at Koga by Chishiya.

 

Koga city is in modern Ibaraki prefecture so that could be the place of manufacture, ju = residing at, followed by the artists name and then "saku" meaning "made". The part which I think is the artist's name, 千氏冶, I have down as Chishiya but again, it can be read in more than one way so wait and see. 

[SteveM]

6 hours ago, Shugyosha said:

千氏冶作

 

千代治作 = Chiyoharu-saku. 

 

Location could be Koga (Ibaraki), or it could be Furukawa (Fukushima, also Hyogo), both readings are possible. I don't have my Wakayama reference with me (I'm here in SF enjoying the sword show ) so I don't know which one it is.  

 

Deep side note, I used to live in Koga, Ibaraki. It's where I bought my first sword.  

[Shugyosha]

Cheers Steve! Enjoy the show. 

[Patinamax]

Thanks all for the replies, short day at work today so I'll follow up when I am back next week! Appreciate you all. 

[Patinamax]

Thank you all for the help, and the translations. I know very little about these, and always enjoy learning a little. Hope everyone is well, and Steve I hope you enjoy the show! (we are about 2 hours north of SF!)