Naishin-Maru Meaning

[reeder]

Looking at a Joshu masakane gunto and the other side is signed with what is either Naishin-Maru or naichika-Maru but not sure what the translation is. Someone thought maybe the name of the sword? I originally thought a different dating system. Anyways, help would greatly be appreciated.

[SteveM]

Its not a dating system. I think it refers to the name of a ship (this is what the ~maru suffix usually means). Naishin means princess, so something like HMS Princess.

 

I searched online and couldn't find any reference to this name, so I'm not 100% confident...usually you can find some reference to almost any military vessel.

 

One other possibility: Naishin also means relatives on the father's side of the family. But this leaves me without an explanation for ~maru, so I think this probably points to a ship.  

 

Edit: I should add that I have never seen a ship's name on a sword, so that adds to my lack of confidence. 

[k morita]

Hi ,Brandon,

 

Is this sword mei  常州　正兼(Joshu Masakane) in Kanji ?

This smith was RJT smith. 

[reeder]

Thanks, Steve.

 

Morita-San, yes sir. Going to look at it later this week. The blade looks like it needs a fresh polish and fittings are lower quality late war Type 98. Going to see in hand how good or bad the blade really is, I know a lot of folks have a touch taking photos of blades, me included.

[Toryu2020]

the maru suffix can also be used for swords,

this is the name someone has given the sword

mho

[Baka Gaijin]

Hi Guys.,

 

I'm with Thomas here, my faithful Imiwa App describes Maru 丸 as:

 

Suffix for ships names, suffix for names of people (especially infants); suffix for names of swords, armour, musical instruments, etc., suffix for names of dogs, horses, etc.

 

 

Just an afterthought, could the swords given name be a play on it being a presentation from relatives on the father's side of the family as the redoubtable Steve M mentions?