Translation and opinion please

[Richard Butters]

A Japanese student told me she could read part of this signature and that part said kyo go kaji or 5 swordsmiths of kyoto. I was wondering if anyone knew what else it said ? and if it was a mishina school blade? The blade is in Shin gunto Officer fittings with a sukashi tsuba. Any input would be greatly appreciated Richard B. There are no symbols on the other side .

[W K Clifford]

備州住吉光

 

you need to post more pictures of the blade.

[Stephen]

Yoshimitsu

[Richard Butters]

Yoshimitsu

Yoshimitsu ?

[John A Stuart]

Yes, Bishu ju Yoshimitsu. John

[Richard Butters]

Yes, Bishu ju Yoshimitsu. John

 

Thanks for that John . The only Bishu ju yoshimitsu I can locate was from the years 1356 to 1375. I don't know much about samurai swords. It seems strange to me that a blade from the 1300's would end up in ww2 fittings. What are the chances it's a fake? Richard B.

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Richard,

Hawley's has smiths who signed like this up to mid 16th century. If your sword's signature is correct it is likely from that time: late Koto.

Grey

[David Flynn]

Richard, a lot of old swords were put in gunto mountings and taken to the war.