Info Appreciated

[Ben563]

Hi guys, have dad this piece in the family for many years. Do not have much info on it. Can anybody help? Thanks

[Geraint]

Dear Ben.

 

What you have is a Japanese tanto, possibly a wakizashi if the length of the blade form the tip to the notch at the back where it joins the habaki is more than 30cms/12".  The fittings are nice though seem a little neglected.  The blade has been shortened at the tang which accounts for the three holes for the peg and as far as I can see the signature might read Bizen no ju Osafune....  and then we run out.  This would mean that it was made in Osafune in Bizen province.  One of the major sword producing areas in the past.

 

The mountings are attractive.  All in all a nice piece which you should look after.  Please, please do not attempt to clean it or restore it, a little light oil wiped on the blade is all you should do.  If the bug bites and you want to start collecting then sooner or later you should show this to someone in hand who can give you more advice.

 

Thanks for sharing it.  Enjoy.

 

All the best. 

[hxv]

Do I see "Sukesada" at the very end of the mei?

 

Regards,

Hoanh

[Stephen]

no, see Rays answer..edited to correct. 

Edited September 12, 2015 by Stephen

[Ray Singer]

Appears to be Bishu Osafune Sadayuki.

 

http://nihontoclub.com/view/smiths/meisearch?type=All&mei_op=contains&mei=Bishu+Osafune+Sadayuki

 

Best regards,

Ray

[Ray Singer]

I believe there is a nidai not present on the link above who worked circa Eikyo 1429-1441.

 

 

Best,

Ray

[hxv]

Thank you Ray!

Hoanh

[uwe]

Yep Ray,

"Bishu Osafune Sadayuki". Seems there were 3 generations.

 

Uwe

 

PS: Can't read the nengo.....

[Ray Singer]

I would love a clearer shot of the nengo but I will go out on a limb and say it looks like an Eitoku date, which would place it with the Shodai in Nambokucho (if authentic).

 

Best,

Ray

[Ben563]

Thanks for the info guys