Help with MEI translation please

[hakoti]

Here are some pictures of a sword I have an opportunity to purchase. I would like to ask for your assistance in translating the MEI. If you have any comments about the sword in general that would be appreciated also.

[Toryu2020]

Hakoti -

The standard answer around here is to use the KANJI pages at the top of this page to try to decipher it yourself. Really not a difficult mei - if you are pressed for time or dont want to bother looking it up yourself, just say so there are many here who will give you the answer.

 

You might also hear some say "be sure to sign your posts"

 

FWIW it looks to be an honest sword and signature - good luck

-t

[hakoti]

Thanks for your suggestion. I have never done this before but I am game to give it a try.

Andy W.

[Jean]

Andy,

 

Easy.

 

First picture is a date, the second the signature.

 

http://www.japaneseswordindex.com/nihonto.htm

 

This will help you to find how dates and signature are inscribed

 

The link "kanji pages" at the top of the page will help you translate.

[hakoti]

Here is what I have come up with on the date. Corrections and comments most welcome.

Andy W.

[Grey Doffin]

Very good Andy,

The last character (get ready for a dope slap) is Hi, day. This would read, Tempo Ju San Nen Go Gatsu Hi. A day in May of 1842.

The signature side should be easy for you also; give it a go.

Grey

[John A Stuart]

A day 日 in the 5th month...... John

[Geraint]

Hi Andy.

 

Your'e doing well. The other side should fall into place for you.

 

As regards the sword in general, the nice habaki fits the mei, same place, and the blade looks good though we can't tell too much from the photos. If you have the blade in hand look carefully. The mounts are a strange mixture and look cobbled together from some gunto parts and perhaps an original saya. On the whole an interesting sword which might be better in shirasaya.

 

Just my thoughts.

 

All the best.

[hakoti]

I did get a look at this sword yesterday. Unfortunately I have very limited hands-on experience with Japanese swords and what to look for. Just my reading and research.

 

The blade looks to be in reasonably good shape. There are 3 or 4 areas of old rust pits which were probably too deep to be removed by the last polishing. But the areas are small and not too deep. I don't think the last polish was very recent as there are a fair amount of surface marks, scuffs, etc. Nothing I would call a scratch. No surface rust. The edge is not especially sharp. I suspect the marks are just from improper handling over the years. The hamon was visible but faint in some areas.

 

I am still working on translation of the Mei. I have part of it and will post what I have after a bit more study.

 

Andy W.

[hakoti]

The image below shows what I have come up with. The name of the swordsmith was the most difficult to track down, and I am not sure of it. But the best I have is Kanehisa. Comments are welcome.

Andy W.

[Jean]

The image below shows what I have come up with. The name of the swordsmith was the most difficult to track down, and I am not sure of it. But the best I have is Kanehisa. Comments are welcome.

Andy W.

 

 

Perfect

[Brian]

Well done Andy, the level of effort you put into this is impressive, and I bet you learned a lot too.

 

Brian