Opinions on these

[Strider]

I am watching a couple of items on eBay, I do not know how to make the link but the item numbers are 330147265662 and 330147265171. I am interested in others opinions about these items, the unsigned one seems to have a lot of the curve originating at the nakago leading me to think cut down tachi, while the signed item seems to have a very deep continuous curve , Koto ? Any thoughts are always appreciated. Oh by the way, I just completed my first mei translation and as soon as I figure out how to get the pictures from my MAC to this board I will find out if I am correct and if signature is gimei Scott I'm sorry I am computer challenged but until last year I was quite happy in the 1980s

[Rich T]

WW2 production swords Strider. If you are translating the first, I won't answer that here. The second is a typical looking late Showato I think, with sanbonsugi hamon, it is probably oil quenched.

 

There are many opinions on unsigned WW2 swords but generally I think, the mumei ones are considered more low end than the signed ones. Others may have a better/alternate opinion on this (this would be best answered by Rich S, Jinsoo or Chris Bowen I think)

 

Both of these have sad looking mounts, and the first has something that looks like splits or cracks in the Ji.

 

Just my opinion of course.

 

Cheers

 

Rich

[Strider]

Thanks Rich, I did not pay enough attention the first time I looked at these swords, the photos make them appear more curved than they probably are. As for the mei, it looks like it was done with a hatchet and I am not going to waste my time trying to translate, I have enough trouble with decent kanji. The only word I got was "saku"??? Thanks again Scott

[Rich T]

Hi Scott, actually, I think these look pretty typical of many Showato mei.

 

I spent many hours reading, or trying to read mei on swords and fittings on Ebay. It is a good way to learn as there are so many variations and and they are all there oline for you to use to your own advantage.

 

Nijimei and Sanmei like this are easy ones to start with as there is less work to do and it is easier to concentrate on the kanji and getting them right, as you did with Saku.

 

It is practice that commits these easier kanjito memory so you just start to see them after a while. Don't give up, keep at it.

 

Rich

[Stephen]

dont give up yet, your a third of the way there...first Kanji (used alot in mino seki blades) and second are in John Yumoto's book. take your time the feeling is great when you look up the first reading. have fun