AnthonyDF

So we tracked down two different Kanemune named smiths. So is there anyway I could tell the era of the blade by characteristics? So maybe I could pin point the right smith. Hamon, tang, kissaki, anything that is common in different eras such as shape or other defining features in a blade? Im still new at this and this is only the 3rd Japanese blade I own, first handmade nihonto, so my knowledge is far behind compared to most of you. I still sadly dont have the blade in hand so Ill have to refer to the pictures from the EBay listing as reference to and blade characteristics. I can also add more to this fourm post aswell if need be.

Hello I would like to update on this fourm post for anyone following it or who have replied to it originally. I have since messaged the seller and he has replied to my question regarding the signature and this was his reply "The smith is known to be a person who made deffent swords such as naginata, etc. There is a record that he was popular in late Edo era, but this sword was registered in Showa. It migth haev been left in kura (warehouse) during that time." Sadly it seems there is still a rabbit hole to dive into as Sho-Shin, or M Sesko index mentions he worked in earlier Edo Period but the seller mentions him working and being popular in late Edo. About 200 years apart from both time periods mentioned. Maybe he worked and smithed in early Edo but didnt see popularity until late. Again its a rabbit hole, but I wanted to update everyone who has helped so far and who might help at a later date. Hopefully we can date this Wakizashi and give the smith the credit and recognition he deserves. Thanks Anthony

Hello I shouldve mentioned it before but forgot to, it is one the Nobody referenced in the latest comment on this post from the ebay listing. I wasnt sure about the rules regarding links and things so I went with the option which I felt was safer and didnt mention where I got it or link to the seller/listing. Nobody I thank you for putting in some of the images from the listing as I was not sure if I was allowed as some groups are weird and sometimes dont allow it, fourm groups can be weird at times. I did translate some of the license that is with the wakizashi dating the license registration to 1962. Again sorry for leaving some stuff out, im new here and wasnt sure what was or wasnt allowed... Thank you all so much

Hello I messaged the seller of the wakizashi and was able to acquire a picture of the tang. Sadly it was the only one he sent but it does show the signature quite well, hopefully it helps with verifying it. I can try to get more pictures as well if that helps any. Thanks Anthony Tang is on the attachment in this post

Hello! I am newer here but I have seen a lot of you have a lot of knowledge and I was hoping someone could help out. I recently bought a Wakizashi from Japan, and I believe it is a Edo Period Wakizashi, the only problem is with the Mei on the tang, even though there is one I cannot find out anything about the smith, or even a rough idea of when the sword was made using the smith as a point of reference. The smiths Mei is -上野守包宗- Or as I have tried to translate it Kozuke no kami kanemune. I have searched high and low but have only found kanemunes which don't use that signature, at least in that form. I sadly don't have pictures ATM as the wakizashi is still being processed in Japan at the time of this posting. I can update with pictures if needed, when possible. I appreciate any and all help if anyone can point me somewhere it'd be really helpful Thank you all Anthony