cas-vanderwoude Posted October 3, 2010 Report Posted October 3, 2010 hi folks, I'm not a sword collector but have a passion for understanding the war in the pacific and collecting militaria from that time. Recently I came into possession of a wakizashi and according to the seller it was taken (stolen?) from a soldier on the battlefield of Okinawa during 1945 by a US serviceman. This blade is real beat-up and thats fine by me because thats where its value is to me. When I received the item, I found the tsuka attached to the blade by a brass pin in place of a mekugi. the seller told me it had not been dismantled by the US serviceman so I'm assuming this was done on the battlefield. The tsuka appears to have been altered to fit the blade as evidenced by the extra hole. Anyway, the blade was signed and I was hoping someone could translate the inscription for me so I could learn more about the item. I realize many signatures are fake and again thats ok for me - makes it all the more interesting. Also, although I have no desire to "restore" the item, I would like to know how to maintain and clean it. I've been careful not to handle either the blade or nakago. thanks in advance for your help. Quote
jason_mazzy Posted October 3, 2010 Report Posted October 3, 2010 I am a big fan of the character of the blade. I enjoy blade history. Quote
cas-vanderwoude Posted October 3, 2010 Author Report Posted October 3, 2010 Morita, thank you so much - you are very kind for tolerating my ignorance and deciphering such a poor image. Can you or anyone else help me with what this means? is it the name of the swordsmith? Quote
Lindus Posted October 3, 2010 Report Posted October 3, 2010 Yes the sword is by Narisada possibly Echizen province circa1624. Fujiwara Narisada is the only smith of this name in that period, also signed Hitachi ome Narisada & Hitachi Daijo Shimosaka Narisada. Not highly rated at the ime of Hawleys publication but would suggest that you check it out on the web. http://www.collectorsloot.homestead.com Roy Quote
Grey Doffin Posted October 4, 2010 Report Posted October 4, 2010 Cas, Hitachi is a Province and Daijo is an honorary title. Something along the lines of "Junior Lord of Hitachi" (Hitachi no Kami would be "Senior Lord of Hitachi). Not actually the Lord of the province; only honorarily so. Grey Quote
cas-vanderwoude Posted October 4, 2010 Author Report Posted October 4, 2010 Boy - I've learned so much today. Can anyone tell what the other inscription says? Quote
jason_mazzy Posted October 4, 2010 Report Posted October 4, 2010 Morita san, you are a stand up individual, and a class act. Quote
cas-vanderwoude Posted October 6, 2010 Author Report Posted October 6, 2010 just a short note to say thank you all so much especially Morita san! I really appreciate your patience and all your help. Cas Quote
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