Assist with translation please

[Wooly77]

Good afternoon all, I have acquired this Katana and would like some assistance in transalting the mei. I have tried to have a go and think the first kanji is Hira and the last one Butsu. Also I think the first one on the saya is either Mitsu or San. Any help would be most appreciated

It is not in very good condition and there are lots of corrosion on the blade. Blade is 34" from tip to tip. The pictures of the hamon are all that I can get.

The odd thing about this is the suspension ring on the saya is opposite to others I have.

Many thanks, Paul

[Ray Singer]

Looks like Hirada Hidemitsu 

[ROKUJURO]

Paul,

the TACHI MEI looks like HIRATA HIDEMITSU. The NAKAGO does not look like what we usually see on Japanese blades. It is kind of sloppily made, so there is a possibility that this is a modern copy or a very late war production. HAMON looks oil quenched.

Could you remove the HABAKI please? In case the MACHI (notches on cutting edge and back) are not on the same level, this is almost a safe sign for a copy.

I think the numbers on the leather cover are 34, but they are difficult to see for me.  

[Wooly77]

 

  On 12/12/2021 at 3:43 PM, ROKUJURO said:

Paul,

the TACHI MEI looks like HIRATA HIDEMITSU. The NAKAGO does not look like what we usually see on Japanese blades. It is kind of sloppily made, so there is a possibility that this is a modern copy or a very late war production. HAMON looks oil quenched.

Could you remove the HABAKI please? In case the MACHI (notches on cutting edge and back) are not on the same level, this is almost a safe sign for a copy.

I think the numbers on the leather cover are 34, but they are difficult to see for me.  

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Hi Jean, Photos as requested. Regards, Paul

[ROKUJURO]

Thank you Paul,

so there is a chance that it might be a war-time blade. 

If it were mine, I would strip it of the HABAKI and clean it with a slighly oiled rag. Even if it may not be a valuable blade, don't use anything abrasive. Leave the NAKAGO as is.

[Wooly77]

  On 12/12/2021 at 7:13 PM, ROKUJURO said:

Thank you Paul,

so there is a chance that it might be a war-time blade. 

If it were mine, I would strip it of the HABAKI and clean it with a slighly oiled rag. Even if it may not be a valuable blade, don't use anything abrasive. Leave the NAKAGO as is.

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Many thanks for the info. Will give it a wipe over with oily rag and then get searching for HIRATA HIDEMITSU.

Regards, Paul