Rustyblade Posted January 19, 2017 Report Posted 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 1 Quote
Ken-Hawaii Posted January 19, 2017 Report Posted 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 Quote
nagamaki - Franco Posted January 19, 2017 Report Posted 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. Quote
Toryu2020 Posted January 19, 2017 Report Posted January 19, 2017 Looks like youre showing us the date side - Tensho 5 nen - fifth year of Tensho Have you any other photos? -t Quote
nagamaki - Franco Posted January 19, 2017 Report Posted January 19, 2017 Hello Tom, There is a link posted in the comments section to additional images. Quote
Rustyblade Posted January 19, 2017 Author Report Posted 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. Quote
Rustyblade Posted January 19, 2017 Author Report Posted 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 Quote
Gabriel L Posted January 19, 2017 Report Posted 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… Quote
Chango Posted January 20, 2017 Report Posted 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... Quote
nagamaki - Franco Posted January 20, 2017 Report Posted 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 Quote
whiteowl022 - Bruce Posted January 28, 2017 Report Posted January 28, 2017 Rusty blade - Greg please contact me at whiteowl022@gmail.com I may be interested in your blade if you are willing to sell. Quote
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