Wakizashi - Hizen school - further analysis

[grapppa]

I would like to see if this sword is an authentic Hizen school sword or if it is gimei.

 

Posting pics of a wakizashi whose mei was translated here:

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=17909

 

sori = 12mm, total length= 61.2cm

 

I tried to capture images of the hamon and crystalline patterns.

 

Thank you for your analysis.

[grapppa]

additional pics... Paul.

[mdiddy]

Based on the shape and style of the big clusters of gunome, and the mei, I would say its likely shoshin. I compared to examples in Nihonto Zuikan and will see if I can scan/post some of those pages for you to compare to.

[cabowen]

Based on what I can see in the photos and the various Yukihiro blades I have seen, I would agree with Matt that it would appear to be quite similar on the face of things to genuine work of the Yukihiro line. You would need to get the blade to an expert or shinsa to verify-pictures on the net aren't enough to be certain.

[mdiddy]

Here are a couple scans that might help. Hizen Yukihiro is a good smith - take advantage of the upcoming shinsa and get it papered.