2 Wakizashi - 1 of two

[swordeval]

Hello again.

 

About 6 months ago this forum was hugely helpful with my first ever Nihonto purchase where I (more accurately my daughter) seems to have 'got lucky'.

 

Since then we've learned a fair bit - or I think we have! So, we have purchased two Wakizashi for a modest price.

 

I'm attaching 1 of 2 here - no 2 follows shortly. I'd be grateful for estimations on age and perhaps if possible, the translation of the signature.

 

Please note that the blade of the Kozuka is also signed ( or inscribed) but it's so corroded that it's almost impossible to read. If anyone's interested, I may try and take a rubbing of it and post that.

 

Cheers.

[Surfson]

Iga no Kami Fujiwara Kinmichi

[Jean]

Paul B.,

 

 

This is moved to the translation section.

[paulb]

I assume this is a different Paul B to me? otherwise I have no idea what you are talking about

[Jean]

Another one Paul, but you are unique my friend :D

[bone]

I assume this is a different Paul B to me? otherwise I have no idea what you are talking about

 

Ummm Paul? You forgot to sign your post. :D

[Jean]

Sorry Steve,

 

No need to sign because his avatar name is his name

 

Btw, you do not need to sign your post if you choose to put in avatar your real name instead of a childish fancy one

 

In fact, you could put SteveB and not signed your posts

[bone]

I now sign with my full name. bone's not a made up name. The only drawback to it was grade-school... and Jr. High... and High School. I learned to fight at a young age as you can imagine, which is also the same time I learned to get in trouble. No connection though.

[Jean]

I know that Bone is your family name, Steve, but on the Board it is friendlier to sign with a first name and the initial of the family name and be addressed by his first name. I prefer to have it like "my name is Jean Laparra" rather than "my name is Bond, James Bond"

[bone]

Gotcha. Will do.

[Geraint]

And the sword?

[Jean]

Any input Geraint?

[swordeval]

Hi

 

I apologise for failing to sign my post. I admit I just forgot because I normally would do so.

 

I've also never been one to care very much what I'm called - within reason of course!

 

Thanks for that translation Robert S. My daughter and I have done some reading and studying of signatures / Kanji but as I guess the experts here will attest, "easy it aint" for newcomers. Our knowledge, interest and expertise with Nihonto is growing but it takes time - as with any discipline.

 

Our interests are from a collection and knowledge point of view and my daughter's personal collection - not commercial. In this case though, as we have two Wakizashi (I had to buy two together) we may sell one on. I mention that for honesty. Please don't think I'm vacuuming the forum's knowledge dry exclusively for the sake of profit!

 

Thanks again for your help.

Paul B.

[Jean]

Paul,

 

Tip:

When you want an info on a blade, here are pictures to be provided :

 

Both sides of the entire naked blade (without habaki)

both sides of the kissaki

both sides of the nakago, including ha machi and nakago jiri

Mune machi area taken from above

 

One or two pictures showing the details of the hamon/hada

 

All as clear as possible.

 

It seems there is red rust on the nakago. You must stop it by rubbing it delicatly with your fingers with some sewing machine oil.

[swordeval]

Merci bcp Jean

 

Yes, I will post some better shots. The ones I took yesterday seem to have come out slightly blurred and dark also - I have no idea why that happened as I have a decent camera.

 

Yes, there is a fair degree of orange-red rust. I will follow your tip.

 

Thanks.

Paul B.

[Jean]

Use a tripod if necessary Paul Autofocus can be a drag when there are light reflections on the blade.

[swordeval]

Hi

Some weeks back I received some very useful help from the forum on the signature and other aspects of this Wakizashi.

 

At the time I was asked for some better photographs but have only just got around to doing so.

 

I hope they're interesting.

 

Best. Paul