Andrew k

Thanks for clearing that up. Sorry about the misunderstanding. I'm just trying to keep the opinions from each forum in the open at each to increase the info and try to create an equal amount of knowledge where all voices are heard. I just felt I should point out the shortener mei theory to keep it as a possibility here, though perhaps I was giving it too much credit based on the lack of good sources. Sorry again about the misunderstanding and I look forward to more ideas.

Thanks again for the reply. The belief over at SFI is that it is the earlier smith because he was known to sign with the shorter Mei "Fujiwara Nagayuki" like this one. I really don't know much about Japanese swords (though I could go on and on about Japanese medals ), so I really couldn't say. I talked to someone else who also thought the sword may have been in the collection of the shrine.

So was the Takata Nagayuki a group of swordsmiths which Fujiwara Nagayuki belonged to sometime in the 16th century?

Thank you for the information regarding the translation. Is there a chance of putting a date and area as to when and where this smith was active and what this sword may have been made for?

I posted this a few other places and was told to post it here. I purchased this sword (blade only) at a public auction a few years ago. The entire piece is about 25 1/8 inches long. The blade itself is 20 1/4 inches long and the width measures from about 1 1/8 inches at the widest to about 7/8 inches. There is writing on both sides of the tang. Unfortunately, on one side the writing is applied in a red material which has become faded and illegible near the bottom. I'm told that the maker is Fujiwara Nagayuki and the sword is somehow associated with the Tanzan Jinja. Any information regarding this maker or the sword would be greatly appreciated, especially regarding the age, style, use, and how it is associated with the shrine. Also, I'm not looking to sell it but just out of curiosity what is a blade like this worth? Thank you for your help.