Eboshi Bitsu Translatio Help Needed

[Justin Grant]

I have an eboshi court hat that arrived today. I’m trying to read the bottom of the bitsu (box). I think the first line is Meiji ( cant read next kanji) 8 year (1876). Next column is something 3rd month, lucky day and don’t know last kanji. Third column is Showa, don’t know next two kanji, 4 month 17 day, don’t know last kanji. Then the last two columns I don’t know at all. Can you help me?

[Justin Grant]

Not sure why it rotated my image. Sorry

[Justin Grant]

Is the 4th column Suzuki Kingo? Maybe? Maker?

[uwe]

Hi Justin,

 

third column 3 kanji might be 弐. Also read as "two" or "second"! Next is (usually) the same as first column last kanji 年. I assume.....

[SteveM]

Try this. The personal name could be Kingō or Kongō. I'm not sure which is more plausible (or maybe its something different altogether... one can never be too sure with names).

I'm not sure about the one after Meiji, but logically it can only be the one suggested in red. Or, the red one could be omitted entirely, and the little bit of writing could be part of the following kanji. Anyway, the meaning is not changed. 

 

明治乙亥八年

Meiji kinotoi hachi-nen

昭和弐年四月17日求

Shōwa ni-nen, shigatsu jūshichinichi motomu 

旧三月吉日求

Kyū sangatsu kichijitsu motomu

鈴木金吾

Suzuki Kongō?　Kingō?

代金拾円也

Daikin Jū-en nari

 

Meiji 8 (1875)

Purchased on Shōwa 2 (1927) April 17th (March "auspicious day" according to old calendar)

Suzuki Kongō (Kingō)

cost: 10 yen

[Justin Grant]

Thank you SteveM and Uwe!

 

Steve, based on your expert translation, do you think maybe it had two sale dates, once in 1875 and another in 1927? Seems like a long time to have an item on a merchant shelf.

 

Thanks again!

[SteveM]

I think it was made in, and the original owner bought it in 1875. Then, I think it was sold second-hand to Suzuki-san in 1927.

Looking at this again, I think the "old-calendar" date corresponds to Meiji 8. I thought it corresponded to the sale date in 1927, since that is how it is aligned on the box, but now, looking at it with fresh eyes, I think it refers to the original manufacture/purchase date (even though Wikipedia tells me the Gregorian calendar came into use in Japan in Meiji 6).

 

I also wonder why there is no honorific after Suzuki's name (氏 or 様 or some official title, rank). It seems unusual, unless he drew the hakogaki himself, or had an acquaintance draw it. If the original owner or seller sold it to Suzuki-san and drew the hakogaki for him, there would certainly be an honorific attached. 

[Justin Grant]

Thank you so much. I’ll print this up and stick it in the box and when my kids sell my stuff when I’m gone, some history will not need to be retraveled. Much appreciated.

[uwe]

And the kabuto itself Justin? You know....pics....pics....pics ????

[Justin Grant]

Uwe, it’s a court hat eboshi. Not a kabuto. Sorry for lack of clarity.

[uwe]

Anyway, it's nice!

Rare in this condition, I assume?!

[Justin Grant]

Not rare, but not all that common. Basara has them from time to time. I’ve always wanted one, so I’m happy. Just need the ribbon, may make it myself.