Info wanted on smith

[waynes]

Hi, I'm trying to find info on a smith from koto times who signed Yoshi Tsugu. All I can find is from more modern times such as Showa. I don't have a very large book collection but if someone could point me in the right direction I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.

[Stephen V]

Hello Wayne

 

Try this link

 

http://www.sho-shin.com/smiths1g.htm

 

Cheers

[Guest Simon Rowson]

Hi Wayne,

 

Please forgive this observation, but that mei seems awfully clear and deep for a Koto blade (especially with what appears, in your photo, to be fresh rust in the chisel strokes).

 

However, I am not a very good judge of age and so I'd be interested to hear what the other members think.

 

All the best,

Simon

[Brian]

I second that obsevation. I am far from being an expert (or even a mid level 'pert ) but those characters do not look fluidly carved. Picture you signing your name..there is a certain confidence and fluidity to the strokes. That Yoshi kanji particularly looks a bit forced and stiff.

I could be way off the mark, just my opinion of course.

 

Brian

[tonyb]

looks like a very clean tang for koto.

 

tony

[waynes]

Thank you for your honest opinions. This is a katana for sale from a dealer that I am thinking about. Unfortunately I can't see it in person and have to go by these photos. Here are some more pictures of this katana.

Also thank you for the link I forgot about that site.

[Guest Simon Rowson]

Hi Wayne,

 

If you want a really honest opinion it looks like a genuine Nihonto but with a later signature added - perhaps to enhance the value.

 

Either way, if you can't see it yourself, don't buy it - it looks way too suspect.

 

Simon (A man who's made many mistakes himself and doesn't want to see anyone else repeat them)

[waynes]

Thank you for your opinion. I appreciate it. I don't want to repeat the past.

[Jean]

Hi Wayne,

 

Clumsy mei, the two kanji are not even in alignment.

 

Very fresh nakago for a koto blade, fresh rust. Mei (there are always exception) are seldom chiselled right on the ridge line.

 

Do not buy it

[Ken-Hawaii]

Hey, don't forget that gimei blades make excellent letter-openers!

[Jean]

I cannot agree with you Ken

 

Have you ever tried to open a letter with a gimei Katana, holding it by the handle, not very handy unless being Darwin Missing Link or a Migou :lol: