Wakizashi Translation

[Shamsy]

Good morning all,

 

Would someone kindly be able to read the mei? I've lightened the second photo if that helps. I can't seem to get the orientation correct... fingers crossed.

 

Thank you.

[Peter Bleed]

These smiths are great fun but also a challenge of pronounciation. Don't start with YOSHI (tho it seems right...)

Peter

[Ray Singer]

Yoshisuke

[Peter Bleed]

Well, gee, Ray! I was trying to draw this discussion out a bit. And I certainly have learned never to argue with you, but, I thought that this would be a chance for us to introduce the difference between ON and KUN pronunciations. I though that these very (very) late Shoshu guys signed with these characters that we all think of a  "Yoshisuke", but went with the name "GISUKE". This is also when the Soshu-den was dissolving in the Muromachi era. There certainly seems to have been a demand for these solid hirazukuri "otanto" at that time. They are quite worthy - by one name or another!

Peter

[Shamsy]

Thank you, Peter and Ray. So Muromachi era is likely? I knew it was old from the gorgeous, smooth black patina on the nakago, but I've never tried to guess ag or even very much about the sword. I used to call it a tanto, but it is JUST a tiny bit too long to officially classify as such. Because of the custom fitted, high quality koshirae, I had been presumptuous enough to assume that it came from a wealthy family which must have had it a long time.

[Bazza]

Sighhhhh, Steve, pal, buddy, mate (clenched teeth) PUHLEEZE give us a shot or two of the koshirae AND a full length shot of the tantou both sides AND (but wait, there's more) a better exposed image of the nakago without the habaki and in the vertical orientation.  Thanks in advance.

 

Personally, I have a concern that the kanji looks like it has been gouged out with a 4-inch nail.  In other words, will it stand up to scrutiny???

 

Best regards and a Happy New Year to you mate,

 

BaZZa.

 

EDIT:  I should have done this before posting, but AOI has one with a sortof similar looking daggy signature:

https://www.aoijapan.net/tanto-yoshisukegisuke-saku/

 

My keyword search on google was GISUKE MEI SIGNATURE

[Shamsy]

Hi Barry,

 

Will do! I'll get some extra shots tonight. The koshirae is military, so that's probably not very exciting for you. It is, however, exciting for those interested in the military side.

 

I'm not worried that the mei looks a little rough. I bought the sword a good decade ago as a military curiosity... But I'm now a little curious about the blade. I'll try with the orientation, but even though the pictures were the correct way in the gallery, they became vertical upon uploading.

 

Cheer mate

[Shamsy]

As requested! Might have forgotten to take a full length shot of the second side though. I can get one if necessary, but the sword is now carefully oiled and put away safely. I know it's a sin to touch the blade with bare hands, so I hope carefully with gloves is okay. My new camera is NOT good for sword photography at all and t he best focus was with gloves close by. I tried several locations, lighting, angles... also threw in a 5c piece for perspective.