GordonMcA

Thanks Christian, I am following up the blade angle. Cheers👍🏻

Many thanks Geraint, I think Option 1 is currently favourable being the current custodian within the family. Unlikely that I’ll get to Birmingham fair but will probably be pursuing the sword history further in the future. Many thanks for everyone’s assistance so far and look forward to further communication in the future.

Hello, having tried to translate using several helpful links to various symbol charts I really do need assistance with my katana tang translation. The sword has been in our family for 4 generations and may have been acquired by my great great grandfather around 1900. I think the first two smith symbols might be ‘Hōki’ (province) but might be completely wrong. Also, on the date I think the third symbol is a 3 just before the year (nen) symbol but cannot translate the first 2 era symbols or remaining date. There also appears to be some symbols on the hand guard. I have included pictures of tang inscription and sword although the rusting on the tang does make it difficult to decipher. Obviously didn’t want to remove the rusting. Many thanks for any assistance, Gordon