hakoti

The image below shows what I have come up with. The name of the swordsmith was the most difficult to track down, and I am not sure of it. But the best I have is Kanehisa. Comments are welcome. Andy W.

I did get a look at this sword yesterday. Unfortunately I have very limited hands-on experience with Japanese swords and what to look for. Just my reading and research. The blade looks to be in reasonably good shape. There are 3 or 4 areas of old rust pits which were probably too deep to be removed by the last polishing. But the areas are small and not too deep. I don't think the last polish was very recent as there are a fair amount of surface marks, scuffs, etc. Nothing I would call a scratch. No surface rust. The edge is not especially sharp. I suspect the marks are just from improper handling over the years. The hamon was visible but faint in some areas. I am still working on translation of the Mei. I have part of it and will post what I have after a bit more study. Andy W.

Here is what I have come up with on the date. Corrections and comments most welcome. Andy W.

Thanks for your suggestion. I have never done this before but I am game to give it a try. Andy W.

Here are some pictures of a sword I have an opportunity to purchase. I would like to ask for your assistance in translating the MEI. If you have any comments about the sword in general that would be appreciated also.

Gentlemen, thank you very much for your comments and insight. This info gives me a much better understanding of what is being offered for sale. Andy W.

This is my first post here, so I hope I am doing things correctly. I have an opportunity to buy a Katana, reported to be 200-300 years old, brought back by a Navy man in the 1950s. I have not seen the sword or documents yet, I only have some really poor pictures. I would like to know what the documents are - bill of sale perhaps, some type of certificate? I realize they are poor quality and a translation especially of the document on the left, may not be possible. I notice a Yen amount of 62,800 written on the right hand document. The Yen was 360 to the dollar in the 1950s, so that amount would be about $175.00. Perhaps that was the sale price --- just a guess. Any info as to what these documents are, even best guess, would be appreciated. Andy W.