Marcus Devonport

Which would in of itself would make a lot of sense, and would make number of remountings seem a lot more plausible... I think you're probably right in your initial interpretation.

Hello again, Ray 😁 Appreciate your assistance on this one- it's interesting that the blade could have passed through the hands of Mr. Fujishiro, and also the estimated age of the piece-- Late kashu could bring it all the way up to the late 1800s, according to a quick Google? - I would have thought it to be much older in appearance, given the number of mekugi holes in the Nakago, and that it's been suriage'd at some point during its life. Just goes to show appearances can be deceiving!

Hi Everyone, I saw what looks to be an interesting Kanteisho paper, accompanying a blade recently. I was only able to get a few (blurry) photos of it, but was curious what could be deciphered from it. My curiosity has been eating away at me, over this one. I was hoping for perhaps a part translation, that might give a better perspective--Apologies in advance for the poor photo quality. Thanks for looking over my post.

Hey, guys- I wanted to give a much delayed update, to close off this thread. After seeing the collective response from the community on N.M.B and having this verified by the Auctionhouse, they were happy taking back the item and to give me a full refund on this occassion. I was incredibly fortunate, for under the circumstances. Although, the experience gave me a much needed lesson on bidding on signed Nihonto, prior to doing the proper research.

Thank you, thats a very good point that I will take away from this. Appreciate your help

First of all, thank you all for taking the time out of your day, to help educate me on such a difficult topic. I will be more wary where picking up such swords in the future-I'll try voice my concerns, raising the very good points made above. Worst case, I have a rather good looking Gimei and a hard lesson of doing prior research. I will let you know how I get along...

Always worth a try, I suppose- although I would be amused if they played off the fact an "in-house expert" authenticated it. Hopefully they will see that it's been mislisted as a genuine example. I'll try call on a few favours to have a antique dealer confirm to them an opinion in writing.

Im all honesty the listing turned into an absolute free for all, hammer price was £2300- so its problematic. I may have to discuss with them, if responses collectively say its a Gimei. I actually purchased a papered blade for 1000 less, in that same morning. Thoughts?

Sadly, the I had potentially put too much faith in the auctions description as I've built up a level of trust with that particular one- the terrible photos are the best I have to work with for the time being. Would you refuse it, it should it be a forged signature? would it count as such in an auction, and be a *forgery* with lack of a better term? I don't know whether I need to accept I may have been burned on this one, as it caused quite a stir at auction and didn't go for cheap. It would be a great shame, as initially all looked correct in the lot photos (or at least the initial ones did!)

First Timer Poster, hoping I may be able to call upon more experienced collectors than myself I'm in my first months of Collecting Nihonto and won this item through online auction, advertised as a "Genzaemon Sukesada" katana- extract below. "A Muromachi period Genzaemon Suke Sada katana with 61cm double grooved blade, in near mint Japanese polish, signed to the tang and dated El-Roku, Hachi, Nen, Ni Gatso (made in the 8th year of 1565, February a lucky day" The attached some photos of the Nakago weren't available to me at the time- however I was taken aback by what looked to be an active Hamon, from what limited photos were available and admittedly caught auction-fever on the day of the sale Can I get some general opinions; the Nakago does appear strange in shape having being altered during its life- however I'm mostly concerned over the Mei itself. I'll admit I'm not at a point where I can confidently compare signatures- I would be grateful if I could get some opinions on this piece. Thanks all, I really hope you can help!