Can someone translate the Mei ?

[Ken Cline]

My dad was in WWII & came back with this sword. 

[Mark]

i see Hi Shu Ju Tadayuki

[rebcannonshooter]

Hi Ken, Mark beat me to it as I was typing. The signature appears to be: "Hi-Shu Ju Tada-Yuki". (the second kanji is poorly written, but I can't imagine any thing but Shu.) Hishu can refer to either Hizen or Higo province. There were a few Tadayuki from Hizen/Higo that worked in the mid to late 1600. Would need an overall photo and more detail to give you more than that. 

Tom

[Ken Cline]

Thank you for that translation. I will send more photos.

[Ken Cline]

[Ken Cline]

I can take more, if you guide me on how to take the photo. Again thanks

[rebcannonshooter]

Hi Ken,

Sorry, I'm not going to be able to tell you too much about your sword, but lets start with what we can see. The sword is a real Japanese sword called a wakizashi, traditionally a sword between 12 and 24 inches. For Samurai it was a companion sword carried along with a long sword (katana). Merchants and non-samurai could carry a sword of this length, but not a katana. The sword was carried edge up inserted through an obi. I'm guessing it is a Shinto period sword. That is, a sword made between 1596 and circa 1780. The condition of the polish is not good, so no details of the grain or hamon can be seen to help us evaluate it. Hawley lists only four Tadayuki working in Higo or Hizen, all between 1661 and 1845. 

Perhaps one of our better sword evaluators will weigh in, and can provide a better appraisal for you.

Hope this helps, Tom

[Scogg]

Wonderful write-up Tom, thank you. @rebcannonshooter

Generous input like that is what keeps the forum spinning.
Thanks again and hope to chat soon,
-Sam

[Ken Cline]

Great thanks to all of you who have weighted in it’s very helpful. Ok, I took more photos as suggested in my best effort. So please have a look.

[Ken Cline]

[Ken Cline]

[Ken Cline]

[Ken Cline]

[Ken Cline]

Again thanks, if anybody has more suggestions on taking photos, i would be thankful.

[ROKUJURO]

Ken,

in that condition, it will be very difficult even for a professional photographer to show more of the features. The blade would need a professional (= traditional) restoration first. Please do not try this yourself!  

What can be found online about HIZEN TADAYKI is not much: 

In the Hizen Tadayoshi lineage, Tadayuki is a historically significant figure during the late Edo period. When the 6th and 7th generations of the main Tadayoshi line passed away prematurely, Tadayuki (a senior disciple) took over the forge, managed the school, and successfully mentored the 8th generation of Tadayoshi (Hachidai Tadayoshi) until he reached adulthood. 

Notable Characteristics of Tadayuki Blades
Steel and Grain: Hizen blades are renowned for their highly refined Jigane (surface steel) and often display Konuka-hada (fine "rice bran" grain).
Quench Lines: Tadayuki blades frequently feature elegant notare (wavy) or suguha (straight) temper lines.
Signature: Signatures will typically translate to "Sesshu Ju Fujiwara Tadayuki" (for the Osaka lineage) or "Hizen Koku Tadayuki". 

For a comparison of an authenticated example:

https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/product/antique-Japanese-sword-katana-signed-by-tadayuki-nbthk-tokubetsu-hozon-certificate/?srsltid=AfmBOoryBB8LXnS2Kd3kM4r8Eh__2DDliIlbbIU8-jv6KstOCvXelvCq

Roger Robertshaw is an expert on HIZEN swords:

https://www.hizento.com/author-book-roger-robertshaw-tadayoshi.php

I believe he is a member here.

[SteveM]

Here is another "Hizen-kuni-jū Tadayuki" blade. 

https://www.samuraishokai.jp/sword/09125.html

[Ken Cline]

Thanks Jean C & Steve M