Need some expert opinion on a blade

[slashxu]

Hi Gents,

 

I have a wakizashi I'm looking to find more information on. From what I've translated on the mei it reads: Mino Fujiwara Sanekuni. The last character seems a bit off from the usual Kuni character so please correct me if I'm wrong on the translation.

 

The sword is in need of a polish but I thought it has no fatal damages. The owner wants to identify the smith, school, period, etc before committing to a polish, and perhaps submit to a shinsa later.

 

I thought I had more pictures of the blade, but I will need to go back and gather those. So, for now, if any expert thoughts can be given on the mei, I really appreciate it.

 

Sorry admin, this currently looks like a translation help, but I'll return with some pictures of the actual sword for some help on that.

 

Best Regard,

 

James

[takakage]

Hi,

 

Rather a badly mei of naotane.

http://sanmei.com/contents/media/S2798_S8899_PUP_E.html

[slashxu]

Patrick,

 

Thanks for that correction. You're right, it is badly inscribed where I thought the first character was San.

 

So, is it safe to say this is the smith? http://nihontoclub.com/smiths/NAO182

 

Thanks,

 

James

[takakage]

You should look the well known shin shinto smith.

 

http://nihontoclub.com/view/smiths/meis ... ei=naotane

 

(I am not an expert)

[slashxu]

Thanks again Patrick! Will do some research. If the mei is real, it should be an interesting piece.

 

James

[Jim P]

Hi James, this may help http://www.nihontomessageboard.com/nmb/ ... b22e296605

[slashxu]

Hi Jim, thanks! I saw that and contacted Eric about it. It would appear to be gimei unfortunately. The owner will more than likely sell it as it is, unpolished and no paper, but with complete koshirae.

 

Attaching a few pictures of the blade per my previous message.

 

James