Possible “Inouye Shinkai” gimei blade

[patrick7813]

I’m thinking of purchasing a gunto mounted sword with the blade signed (katana mei) as Inouye Shinkai (1673 – 1681). I suspect it’s a gimei because the patina/rust on the nakago doesn’t appear to date that old (see picture). There’s also a kamon on the kashira (not a normal “geometric design” one) and both menuki (see pics). I’m a little out of my depth here and am looking for opinions.

 

Thanks in advance.

[cabowen]

extremely gimei.....the nakago is very crudely done...

[patrick7813]

Thanks Chris. Enough said - I'll pass on it.

[george trotter]

FWIW

I think the kanji mon is TASHIRO and the menuki kamon is "rings" which has a number of clan names attached.

 

Maybe this "Shinkai" is one of those Taisho/Showa period copies not intended to deceive, but given as presents with the "understanding" that the giver would wish to be able to present the recipient with such a prestige gift.

I have seen a number of them...usually in quite gaudy tachi or handachi mounts...and in this case the blade was re-mounted in gunto koshirae.

Just thinkin'...

[patrick7813]

Thanks George. I’ll pass the kamon information along to the current owner, who didn’t know. He also believes the blade was possibly presented as an honored gift, even though a gimei, but wasn’t certain. I’ll let him know there seems to be some consensus in that belief. The gunto koshirae is in mint condition.