pt1093

other side.

Hello, I find myself challenged again with hard to discern markings on my new wakizashi, any help would be appreciated. The blade appears to be reworked as there are still remnants of the low spots of a carving on both sides. It has coarse Hada still visible, with no visible flaws other than rust damage. Other side in next post.

Gordon, Thanks again!

Gordon, I understand, no hurry. My query was based on the assumption that the rating system took into account the level or importance of the smith.

Gordon, Will this have an impact on the rating now that the correct smith has been identified?

Gordon, Thank you for the prompt reply and attention to this matter.

Jan, Since your reply, I have had my naginata foundation polished for submittal to the 2024 NTHK East Coast Shinsa, which it passed with a Kanteisho 70 pt. rating. However, the worksheet (see attached) has a different mei cited "Chikuzen no Kuni ju Yoshimori", along with the different era Kanbun listed. I am having trouble finding a Yoshimori swordsmith listing from this era. 2024 Shinsa.pdf

Shinsa evaluation result: False signature, Kanbun Period (1661 to 1673)

Does anyone have a blade by this swordsmith with the same mei? I see one in the research area for him, but it is different. Most of what I am finding on the internet is second generation Yoshimasa. The blade appears to be Makuri construction as there is a barely noticeable seam on the Mune.

John, My guess is the dark areas seen are either early stress cracks that corroded over time, or they are the weld joint between the soft/ hard layers. There is a noticeable seam on the spine that could indicate the later. I too thought excessive heat, a point is harder to control.

Due to poor packaging and handling, my newly purchased naginata was received missing approx. 1/8" of the tip. After the initial bout of swearing, I decided to make the best of it and get some up close photos of the grain structure, see attached. I was surprised to see a globular type grain.

Hello, I just received my new purchase today, a naginata. Help would be appreciated with the mei and general thoughts on this item.

I recently purchased this 15" long ivory sword for it's artistic appeal. I am currently trying to decipher the symbols which appear to be seal script. Opposite the symbols is the back and forth circle pattern. The grip has a three toed dragon chasing the flaming pearl on both sides, which leads me to believe the artisan was Japanese. I have been able to decipher what I think is "gate"(top left) "tree" (second down left), "leg or legs" (second down right), and "sun or day" (bottom right) using Markus Sesko's book on seal script, but am having trouble making out the radicals and characters. Would anyone have an idea what this was used for? My first thought was a hair pin or kanzashi Paul

The length is 20.5" looped to the tsuba. Alas, I bought this tassel a few years ago at a gun show. It does compliment the sword well and you are correct about the rental program. I did not realize it was due to lack of supply.