felros

Thanks for all the help , Researching Myochin was interesting. As close as I'll get to translating this one I think, finding 'Suzumushi' was a nice bonus. (See attached diagram) Still one side with unidentified characters if anyone has any ideas? Regards, Craig

Can anyone help identify the mei ? Any other thoughts appreciated ? Regards, Craig

post moved to tsuba category

Thanks for the replies, Lee - I note there is some debate on here about cast iron tsuba, not wishing to further that debate, I am happy with whatever I have. I will note that I found original iron examples identified as (Kyo Shoami Mon sukashi tsuba from middle Edo) (see photo) they are identical in nature to mine except that mine is cast iron. I also found Chinese fakes that are cut steel, that are allot rougher than mine, and do not have the detail that mine does (see photo) I found no other examples of mine (being cast) The fuchi and kashira are genuine, no doubts - The Kashira definitely does not have those 'cast in place' shitodome. They slide in and out ‘as per normal’. Obviously I could not remove the ‘end cap’ to take photo’s (you’ll have to trust me on this one) I have attached a photo of the inside of the Fuchi, ‘which has a stamp of a triangle and two squares’ (see photo) Finally I have assembled the fittings onto an early Edo period wakizashi - which required little adjustment , I just had to lightly file the Fuchi, that was all. The tsuka was a perfect fit and looks right, which suggests to me that it was originally from a wakizashi and not a katana. Very happy with the result (see photo) The mekugi-ana in the nakago does not line up with the mekugi-ana in the tsuka by an inch, A job for later on down the track. Many thanks, Craig

Thanks for the replies, Some more photos, The fittings may end up on a wakizashi I have. Regards, Craig

Thanks, I believe the blade to be late Edo, I am not sure if it has been reshaped. It does look over polished or under polished, which one I am not sure. The fittings (Menuki) and (Fuchi Kashira) are genuine Edo period, unsure about the tsuba though it seems ok. The tsuka looks to small, and does not seem to be the original for the blade as there is only one hole in it and two holes in the nakago. I am not sure about the saya , though I have seen them before on ww2 swords. The sword also came with a surrender tag and an officers sword knot. Given all this , I believe it has been put together during ww2. Or after from various swords. regards, Craig

I understand this is an old family blade. It came with a ww2 field scabbard and surrender tag. The blade length is 77cm The cutting edge is 62.7cm There is some pitting on the nakago and some nice file marks. I can see the faintest of straight 'ish hamon, it looks like the blade has been over polished. The blade only has a slight curve , and the tsuka seems short for a katana. Any thoughts ? Regards, Craig

Are these both Gifu Stamps ? They are from a Pattern 44 Type 3 Shin Guntō - Signed Kanemune on one side - Dated February 1945 on the other side. There are no other arsenal stamps on the nakago. Regards, Craig

Thank you for the replies and information, your input is greatly appreciated. I am learning allot from researching this blade alone. I can put this one back on the shelf with a much clearer picture of its history. And a better knowledge base to study the next one, stay tuned. Regards, Craig

Trying to learn by oneself about Japanese swords is a difficult learning curve, I put forward the following observations, as a novice they may all be incorrect. In the hope of further narrowing down the blades maker/school and age. I observe the following - Blade shape - Shinogi Zukuri Blade appears to have a tori-zori (kyo-Yamashiro) - Sori(curve) Nagako - appears to be - Kuri in Shape Boshi Shape - Appears to be - Omaru Jigane - Appears to be Masame Hada with elements of mokume hada Hamon - Appears to be Notare with elements of Komidare Mune - Iori Any input greatly appreciated, Regards, Craig

Some better photos , Any information appreciated Regards, Craig

Recently acquired this one, I think it is Edo period. Has a nice feel/balance, edge still sharp , no nicks. Uninterrupted hamon. Shows some nice grain , One small Fukure approximately 4mm. Several Ware. Blade length 67cm Cutting edge 52.5 cm Width at munemachi 5mm Any thoughts ? Regards, Craig

Myōchin Shikibu Ki no Munesuke , Thank you, Any Ideas which one ? Regards, Craig

Thanks for the replies. Here a few better shots, any thoughts ? Will post some pics of the Katana in Handachi Koshirae later for further discussion. Regards, Craig

Can anyone please assist me with the translation of this tsuba ? It is from a Koto period katana attributed to Kanekuni. Just wondering if the tsuba is of the same period or a later addition. Thanks, Craig

Many thanks for the replies, I'll make an offer on it, not for any collectable or historical value - but for Tameshigiri practise , rather than use a cheap modern cutter. It will give me a chance to try and restore the blade to a standard where at least it can be useful for my training. And the good swords can stay on the shelf Regards, Craig

Thanks for the replies , It is advertised as ' Noshu Seki ju Kojima Yoshimasa ' The blade has been sanded , and has some pitting , nicks and scratches. Is it polite to discuss price ? maybe someone can pm me and let me know if it is worth $250 Regards, Craig

Hi , Can anyone tell me if this sword is genuine or not ? what era it may be from and the translation ? Regards, Craig

Many thanks for all the replies, The blade itself was clean and had no visible flaws , seemed to me more like a late Edo period blade similar to another I have with civilian mounts. No Hamon that jumped out at me, possibly a small straight/slightly wavy one, possibly over polished. The blade I have similar is 84cm in total, 63 cm from tip to tsuba. This sword blade is around that length, I would guess with the nakago looking slightly longer than mine. (which now makes me wonder if one of the swords I have has a wakizashi nakago ,lol) but I'll leave that for another post. All the fittings looked to be of a good quality, the tsuba has some very fine gold inlay designs and shows age, The kashira was rounded/curved. The dealer was not there so I could not have a look at the tang, or have any questions answered. Though I'm sure that could be arranged. Think I'll pass for now , may be worth arranging a visit to speak to the seller, to ask all info and take some better pics for future discussion , a worrying sign though when a reputable dealer gets it wrong, though we are all perfectly imperfect. Regards, Craig

Hello, Just wondering if anyone has some advice on this sword, If the information could be correct , If it worth buying. Sorry about the quality of the pics. Regards, Craig

Many Thanks, I looked at this option myself 支隊本部 (Detachment Headquarters)(google translate) which seems to make sense given the officers rank. I am still unsure of the second character. But happy you have come to the same conclusion. The sword itself was surrendered in Borneo. Regards, Craig.S

Hello , I would appreciate any help with the translation of a surrender tag , this is my first attempt at a translation (not sure how i'm going with it) Also any tips on how best to preserve it ? and or store it as it is quite fragile/torn/fraying. Regards, Craig