Japanese Sword

[Tiffany]

Many years ago a freind that toured with the troops in WW@ was given as a gift a sword. She let it to me. I have had it translated.

Country Seat of Bizen

Osatune Small Town on Okayam Prefecture

Name of period: Ten Sho

Name of person Sukesada

Made by Saku

Nen Go Gatsu

May 3rd Year of Tensho

May 3, 1575

Can you tell me about this. I also was given a scroll that I was told the languge is so old it will be hard for me to find out about it. Maybe you could help with that too.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Tiffany

[Stephen]

Tiff if you have any pix of this ill be gald to post them as well.

There were many Sukesada in that time frame so its hard to pin point down which one yours is.

[sencho]

Hi tiffany.... As you say "country seat of Bizen" I expect your sword reads this for the mei

 

備前國住長船祐定作

 

bizen kuni ju osafune sukesada saku...

 

天正 三年　五月　日

 

Tenshou san nen go gatsu hi

tenshou (1573), 3rd year (1575), 5th Month (May), (a) day (in)

 

as Stephen says there were a few around this time fram that signed like that... One I see immediately listed at Tensho smith and some listed as Eiroku just 4 years prior....

 

fifth month??? Not what I have usually seen... If you have any pics please post them... also if the scroll can be photographed or scanned please post that too... I'm a relative newbie learner still, but there are a couple of different people on here that may be able to help...

 

Cheers!

[Brian]

Hi Tiffany,

 

As pointed out already, and just to clarify...your mei (signature) probably translates to: Sukesada (smith name) of Osafune (Town) in Bizen (province) made this (the saku part)

 

There were many Sukesada smiths, with varying quality blades. There is a very good write up of the Sukesada smiths on the forum here: http://www.militaria.co.za/nihontomessa ... p?=&p=6746

 

Hope this helps until we can get the pics.

 

Regards,

Brian