Echizen no kami Sukehiro Sword?

[FirstCavApache64]

I am trying to gain information about a sword I inherited from my grandfather. I posted here before and learned one of his swords was a Nagamitsu blade and this one I have been told was by Echizen no kami Sukehiro possibly. This sword needs to be polished but I know better than to attempt it myself. The sharpness of the blade is amazing. It is missing the handle and all of the associated hardware but the sheath is complete and in pretty good condition. I do not have a good grasp of the proper terminology for these weapons but I can say they are amazing in there craftsmanship. I would like to know if this is a fake signature if possible, and any info on it's age, maker and use. I would also like to know a value as I intend to add it to my insurance. The value will not be used to sell the sword as I was very close to my grandfather and will keep both the Nagamitsu and this sword to pass on to my son one day. Thanks for any help you can give. JohnP.

[Mark]

can we see a picture of the mei?

[John A Stuart]

I think it is by Sukehiro 助廣 . John

[FirstCavApache64]

I hate to highlight my lack of experience, but where exactly is the Mei? I will post pics of it, I just don't know what it is. Thanks

[John A Stuart]

Hi John, the third pic down on the tang (nakago). Someone gave you correct info on the signature (mei) I suspect, however I can only read the Sukehiro part when I magnify. John

[FirstCavApache64]

Hopefully these are better. The writing is hard to see. Do you know where I can find someone to make a handle and the proper fittings for this smith? I would like to restore the sword to original condition if possible. Also is there a way to get the blade polished without damaging it or it's value?

[Grey Doffin]

Hi John,

We'll need to see better pictures before we can tell you much about your sword's value, age, and correctness of the mei. Once we've seen them and told you what we can, decisions can be made about restoration. In the mean time, without a handle the sword is in a precarious situation. Without the handle with the pin through the hole in the nakago, there is nothing to hold the tip of the sword away from the inside bottom of the scabbard, and the tip is very easily chipped or broken.

You would be smart to cobble something together to work as the handle. Take 2 blocks of wood, whittle a recess for the nakago, drill the hole to match the hole in the nakago, and glue, wire or tape the 2 pieces together. Almost anything is better than nothing.

Grey

[John A Stuart]

I can make out the whole mei now. It is Echizen no Kami Sukehiro. John

[FirstCavApache64]

I am posting more pictures of the blade with some measurements.Thanks for the advice about protecting the tip in the scabbard. I will make a handle to keep it at the proper depth ASAP.

[Jacques D.]

Hi,

 

A large clear picture of the whole nakago will be helpful.

[Bruno]

There is a SUKEHIRO in the RIKUGUN AND KAIGUN JUMEI TOSHO list.

 

Do not know if that could help.....?

[Stephen]

be sure to remove all palm and finger prints...

[Jacques D.]

Hi,

 

There is a SUKEHIRO in the RIKUGUN AND KAIGUN JUMEI TOSHO list.

 

Do not know if that could help.....?

 

 

Bruno,

 

Echizen no kami Sukehiro was one of the eight best swordsmiths in shinto era, He was the creator of the toran-ba hamon.

[Bruno]

Sorry for that!