shonkz

Jean, Thanks for the reminder. Pete S.

Thank you kind sir~

Just found this sword on-line. Translation will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Rokujuro, I totally agree with you. Not to tune my own horn but I donated three of my swords in the past to individuals and charity. Another one I traded for another historic artifact. Yeah, getting a sword for a good deal has its perks but I think it is more significant to appreciate the swords as they are. I guess there were people who were more reckless in the past and I understand that sanpai members here wanting to continue the sacred tradition.

KM, Here's the same sword with a little polish. It is in a better lighting, but the quality of pic is still bad. Pete

Hi KM, I took the comments as they are. I hope you realize that I really appreciate this forum because of it. I thought we were having a laugh so no offense taken. It was hilarious to see the comments fly after the cleaning comment. To make myself a little better, I usually collect ww2 sword relics from Japan and Germany. My dad was born in Japan in 1940 and my wife's side of the family fought on the Soviet side. This is perhaps my seventh Japanese sword and I guess always enjoyed the historical significance over artistic elements. Having said that, I appreciate the swords displayed at the Met, Tokyo museum, or Cambridge, MA, etc. whenever I visit them. Yes, I have been more of a lurker than a contributor on this particular forum and I understand that some people feel that they have....let's say more 'ownership' in the hobby. So be it. I personally would not ask what others would do with their swords, but whatever. Hey, really appreciate your perspective and concern KM. Cheers. Pete

Could be flood damage - picked up from Jersey shore. People are classy down hia. Fugetabouit.

Here is another attempt to load a pic.

Thanks guys. Busting chops really makes me feel like a part of the community. Really appreciated it. I will keep the sword as it is since it looks like it was shortened/manipulated at some point anyway. I actually like the way it looks... as it is. It is not a copy and I can chop some wood with it. Just kidding.

Thanks. Well, the handle pretty much disintegrated when I removed the replacement leather covering. Scabbard is lacquered but cracked in various areas. There is tsuba but not right for this blade. As for what I would do with this sword? I am not sure yet. Maybe practice sharpening? Pete

Picked up a project sword today. Told it was a mumei but when I looked closer, there was a hint of kanji. Not much, but something. It may not be discernible but wanted to put this out to get your perspective. Any input will be appreciated. Was told that this was a 'pilot sword'. Blade is about 14 inches long. Picked up for less than 400 bucks. Thanks so much. Pete

Thank you Matt! I googled and found that he made low grade showato. Pete

Is the first character Mori? Pete

Pic reduced Pete

Friend of mine sent a pic with high pixel of a tang with mei. Even with cropping, it would not fit, so I am uploading each characters. It's three character in all. Thank you for your help. I will attempt to reload....sorry about this...Pete

Koichi, I know what you mean. I am just glad to know what the sig says at the moment. Pete

Thanks Chris. I feel really good right now. I guess I just need to find the proper fitting for the sword. Thanks everyone. Pete Yoshitane Submitted by kazarena on Mon, 2007-05-14 20:13 義植 初代 [Help] △ 寛永︱ 越前 Yoshitane (1st gen) ID YOS1703 Province Echizen Start Era Kanei (1624-1644) End Era Enpō (1673-1681) Active Period 1624-1681 School Shimosaka Source Rating Reference/Page Hawley 15 YOS1703 Toko Taikan ¥3M 770 Fujishiro Jo saku S103 Signatures: 河内大掾藤原義植作 kawachi daijō fujiwara yoshitane saku 河内守藤原義植作 kawachi no kami fujiwara yoshitane saku 越前河内守藤原義植作 echizen kawachi no kami fujiwara yoshitane saku

Could this be the sword maker? YOS1704 Yoshitane Echizen Tenna (1681-1684) 河内大掾藤原義植作 kawachi daijō fujiwara yoshitane saku

Thank you Koichi. Will google again for more information.

So, Fujiwara...found this when googled.

Thanks John. Just out of curiosity, is it possible be able to indicate the era to the style of the signature?

You guys are awesome. Thanks again.

Thanks Chris and John. Would anyone know if his swords were traditionally made or by machine?

Thanks Mark. I will proceed to google. Pete

Hi, I also have a katana in ww2 fitting. I do not see any showa or seki stamps. As fas as I can tell, the sur name looks like Kitagawa. I am not sure about the given name. Thanks. Pete