One Character Stumping Me

[DTM72]

I'm setting-up for a gun show in Charleston, and a gun dealer brings me a slightly fuzzy picture of a mei to translate. From what little I can see in the pics, I am guessing a kimonjo. I already informed him that it does not appear to be old but I need to see it in hand for proper evaluation. The dealer says it is at home and he is going to keep it and not sell it. He's a very elderly gentlemen and I have a soft spot for helping the elderly. He deals in mainly early 1900's guns and always points people with swords my direction. I do the same for him with older guns passing by. I'll stop my yapping now. Thanks in advance!

 

源  = Minamoto 

完  = Sada?

道 = Michi

 

 

[ribendao]

For the second character I'm seeing 贞 not 完.

[DTM72]

20 minutes ago, ribendao said:

For the second character I'm seeing 贞 not 完.

I would 110% agree you have the correct kanji. What is its translation? I have limited search abilities on my phone in a metal building with no wireless and VERY low signal strength.

 

[ribendao]

3 minutes ago, DTM72 said:

I would 110% agree you have the correct kanji. What is its translation? I have limited search abilities on my phone in a metal building with no wireless and VERY low signal strength.

 

I have little knowledge of the Japanese language. However, after putting 源贞道 in Google Translate I got Minamoto no Sadado. Not sure how accurate that is.

[DTM72]

I was unable to get any translation returns on 贞道 or 源贞道. I even tried 贞 just by itself, but it comes back as a chinese character. Makes me think even more about possible Chinese origins of this blade.

[ROKUJURO]

Perhaps it is a very simplified 貞 and so remains SADAMICHI?

[SteveM]

Its 貞 (sada) which, in its abbreviated or simplified form looks like 贞.

Minamoto Sadamichi.

 

But yeah, looks like someone who doesn't know kanji carved this. 

 

https://glyphwiki.org/wiki/u8c9e

[DTM72]

Many thanks Jonathan and Steve! The link Steve posted is facinating.

 

To my old friend, he feels that he has a treasure, with a name. Not sure where he got it or how, but whatever makes him happy.

 

Thanks again guys!