Signature on my first sword

[Xlh1972]

Just bought my first sword. I know what the seller listed the signature as. Just thought I’d get a second opinion.

[Jean]

Izumi no kami fujiwara Kunisada, a big name....

[Xlh1972]

Thank you, that’s what the seller said. I posted pics in the general forum, it’s a beauty.

[PNSSHOGUN]

Most likely Gimei (fake signature).

[Xlh1972]

It’s possible that it’s a fake, I have no proof either way. I’m happy with the sword for what it is and I’m ok with the price I paid. John B.

[ROKUJURO]

John,

that is the main thing! Enjoy and take care of it in the right way so the life of the sword will expand another few hundred years!

You will find a wealth of information here on the board about all aspects of the Japanese sword, and you may as well show the TSUBA separately in the TOSOGU section for comments. The blade can be evaluated by a SHINSA panel even in the U.S.A. so you can learn if the MEI is genuine. 

[Xlh1972]

I downloaded a few authentic papered copies of that signature. I plan to scale them and overlay to compare. It will at least tell me if it’s worth submitting. I will say as a tool and die maker with 30 yrs experience, if it’s a fake, it’s a very old fake, and I’m still ok with that . If someone 350 yrs ago faked that signature, I still got a very old hand forged blade for a fair price.

[PNSSHOGUN]

It's not a big deal on a decent looking sword like yours, you can even have the signature removed *professionally*  (don't attempt anything on the blade yourself) and submit it as Mumei for authentication papers. Is it the NTHK that give papers and will judge the sword gimei but give an attribution as well?