Very Rusty Blade, Looking For Translation Of Signatures

Rustyblade · January 19, 2017

I acquired this "sword" (can hardly call it that with how rusty it is) a few years ago, but havent done anything to it. I decided to see if I can find anything out about it, and was directed here from Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/SWORDS/comments/5os08p/writing_on_handle_of_very_rusty_katana_blade_any/

Any help at all would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Greg

Ken-Hawaii · January 19, 2017

Welcome to the forum, Greg. Yes, it's certainly corroded, but it's my educated guess that it's a real Nihonto (traditionally-made Japanese blade), based on what I see as two chiseled - rather than drilled - mekugiana (holes).

If you would like more information, please take more photos of the bare blade, & post them here.

Ken

nagamaki - Franco · January 19, 2017

Hello,

From what I can see in the images this sword is beyond saving imo, most likely exposed to fire. There is a Chicago sword show (information is posted here on NMB), where you can take it to get additional opinions including from polishers.

Toryu2020 · January 19, 2017

Looks like youre showing us the date side - Tensho 5 nen - fifth year of Tensho

Have you any other photos?

-t

nagamaki - Franco · January 19, 2017

Hello Tom,

There is a link posted in the comments section to additional images.

Rustyblade · January 19, 2017

You would be correct Nagamaki, I found this blade on the dirt floor of my grandfathers barn, it has been through one, if not two barn fires, and is slightly bent/ curved.

Rustyblade · January 19, 2017

If this sword is from the "fifth year of Tensho", that would be what, 1575ish? how would this end up in a farmers possession in rural Ohio? I don't know if anyone from that side of my family fought in WWII, and they have lived in the US long enough to have fought in the civil war. BTW, I don't think there is a drop of Oriental blood in me, we are solid European decedents

Gabriel L · January 19, 2017

Hey all, I referred Greg here from Reddit. With respect Tom, I think it's pretty clearly 安政五年 Ansei 5 = 1858, not Tensho 天正. As to the omote, I could only make out 為守藤 but couldn't corroborate that with any smith. Was hoping someone might have a brainwave…

Chango · January 20, 2017

I think I can make out "Fujiwara" at least on the mei; doesn't help much as it was a common honorary title that is often seen on Shinto era katanas...

nagamaki - Franco · January 20, 2017

If this sword is from the "fifth year of Tensho", that would be what, 1575ish? how would this end up in a farmers possession in rural Ohio? I don't know if anyone from that side of my family fought in WWII, and they have lived in the US long enough to have fought in the civil war. BTW, I don't think there is a drop of Oriental blood in me, we are solid European decedents

http://www.nihontous.com/aboutme/treasurehunt.htm