Mei help please

[hkfan]

A this is my first post I would like to thank you in advance for any and all help. As a child I was always curious and interested in the mystique surrounding the samurai and their weaponry. I never thought I would own a possibly real katana but about two weeks ago my ffather surprised me with this sword. While being a bit pessimistic about it's authenticity, I gratefully accepted this gift as it was very kind of him. Any help translating this inscription and possibly verifying it's authenticity as a real Japanese katana is appreciated. I have taken this sword apart to scan the tang as it is very difficult to photograph. I will post pics of the other pieces in the proper forum in the future. Thanks again.

 

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii133/lx460/mei4.jpg

[Grey Doffin]

The mei reads, "Noshu Ju Kanemitsu" and there is no question in my mind about the authenticity. You have a real Japanese sword.

Grey

[IanB]

Welcome to the Board. As Grey has said your sword is signed by Kanemitsu of Mino province and is perfectly real. There were quite a few generations who used that signature, the most likely being the one working around 1660 or so. Treasure your new acquisition and learn all you can about it.

Ian Bottomley

[Bugyotsuji]

Congratulations!

 

I hope you will treasure your father too!