Edward G

Thanks to all who have shared an opinion on this Tanto. I am posting some additional pictures of the Habaki that may be of interest to David S. who commented about further pictures on this subject, as you can tell it is a signed piece., Nothing at all leads me to think that the fittings are in any way new, but rather original edo period. If someone could translate the signature on the Habaki, perhaps this would give a clue as to when it was fitted to the Tanto. Thanks again, I really do appreciate everyone's input on this. Edward G.

David S. Thank you for your kind comments, I too am enjoying this new toy. Attached are pictures of the Habaki, which is unusual as well. Edward G.

Good evening all: Attached are photos of a recent tanto acquisition. As you can tell all the fittings are consistently portraying the same theme. The Fuchi, Kashira, Kogai, Kozuka and even the menuki have similarities. They are all inlaid with gold, not brass. I believe that the central pattern is a variation of the Kiri (Paulownia) Mon.....On one side of the Fuchi there are only two flowers, while on the opposite side there are three flowers. In any event all opinions are very welcome.....As you can tell the tanto blade is quite old and I cannot make out the Mei or date on the tang. The cutting edge measures 23.5 centimenters or 9.25 inches. It is a very impressive piece to add to my collection. Thank you for your thoughts. URL=http://img709.imageshack.us/i/img2744ws.jpg/][/url] Edward G/

Thank You Chris, you are a scholar and gentleman. Will you be attending the Mid-West Token Kai at the end of April? Edward G.

Thank You Morita for your translation, I was somewhat close on this one. Your are a gentleman. Edward G.

This sword is in old Samurai Mounts and measures 26 5/8" cutting edge. Please help with a translation of the tang. There is writing on both sides and is very faint on one side. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks to all in advance Edward G.

Thank You Grey, the photos have been all digitally enhanced to show more of the inscription....Although you are exactly correct the Patina is off, as the previous owner did some cleaning (*&^%$+_!!@@) on the tang. Thank You for your contribution. Edward G.

Good Evening Everyone. Attached photos are of a recent acquisition in Gunto Mounts. It has a 27 1/2/" cutting edge with a sori of 1" measured from habaki to tip of sword. I am in need of assistance with the translation of this sword. The translationI come up with is Bishu Osafune (Kuni or Kane) Mitsu Saku....On the date side it is very difficult to read the era, I really cannot say. Any help would be appreciated. This sword is not without flaws, but considering the possible age of it, I am astonished. Any thoughts as to who the swordsmith is and the date of the item is what I would like to know. Thanks to all Edward G.

Thanks to all who contributed to this post, I really appreciate the information......On the tsuba is a smith who died in 1729, so it is reasonable to assume it is very possibly the SUK 909 that George mentions earlier. Thanks Again Edward G.

Does the "Shicibeijo" mean it is a part of his name, title, or Clan? Edward G.

Thank You George, you are a scholar and a gentleman Edward G.

Thank you John you are a scholar and a gentleman! Edward G

Good evening all, I have an additional posting today on this same sword package in the translation section for help on the tang translation, but also I have a request for information/translation on the Tsuba for this Wakizashi Sword, as well. Any help would on the makeer or information on the tsuba type etc. would be appreciated...Please refer to the image and translation section today for additional photos of the tsuba and sword. Thanks in Advance Edward G.

Thank You BR, Veli As you know there are many Suke Sada swordsmiths, and it is very difficult to determine which particular one you may have....!!! In any event I certainly appreciate your assistance... Does anyone else have an opinion as to which one this is ??? Thanks Edward G.

Good Afternoon All: Please help with translation on photos attached. It is a 21" Wakizashi with excellent mounts, signed tsuba, I believe it is SUK 429 in Hawleys's but am not sure of the entire translation. As you all know there are many swordsmiths with this name. However the quality seems to shine in this one. Please see the photos and give me your thoughts. Gold mon on kashira I believe is So, D. Fuchu in Tsushima, Tsuchihashi, Kimura page 83 of Hawleys book on The Japanese Family Crest Edward G

Sorry, I am so late responding, this sword is on e-bay, and is not in my possession. Thanks again. Edward G.

Thank you greatly Edward G.

Good evening, if I could get someone to translate this date for me, I would appreciate it. I know the first is Showa but what does the remainder say? Edward G.

Thank you Mark and Chris......Now I can proceed and know what was written.. Edward G.

Good Afternoon Everyone: I need some help translating the writing on both sides of a tanto shira saya, it appears to Maybe be a Honami family inscription, although it possibly is not an original inscription, In any event, it is for sale and I am considering purchasing the tanto....Any help is deeply appreciated. Edward G/

Thank You so much Chris Edward G.

Thanks for the Swordsmith's name will work on the date. Edward G.

Please help with a translation on the following sword tang. Thanks Edward G.

Thank You Grey, you are a scholar and a gentleman!!!!! Edward G. :D

Need help please with the translation of Mei on a Military Sword....It looks like Yoshi and then something else, but I cannot decipher the other character.....Please Help with the translation of sword smith's name. Thanks Edward G.