Translation Help on partial Mei and Confirmation of Validity of Mum

[bachmanw]

Hello folks,

 

New to this forum, but I know a few members from others.  I dabble in Japanese Military Swords and not sure if I am still a complete novice, but not much past there.  I know enough to ask for help though.  A little intimidated because I don't know all the terminology, but I will do my best. 

 

Picked this up a while back in Kyu Gunto mounts.

 

It has obviously been cut down and there is a partial Mei.  There is also a Mum, which I understand signifies that the forge has been sanctioned by the Shogonate or retained?

 

Any information or additional photos please let me know.

 

Thanks,

Bill

 

 

[Ray Singer]

Very likely the smith Bitchu (no) kami Yasuhiro (who did use a kikumon).

https://nihontoclub.com/smiths/YAS804

[Ray Singer]

Web search:

https://www.google.com/search?q="bitchu"+"Yasuhiro"&oq="bitchu"+"Yasuhiro"&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBCDkyMjdqMGo3qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

 

Nihonto Message Board search:
 

https://www.google.com/search?q="bitchu"+"Yasuhiro"+site%3Awww.militaria.co.za&sca_esv=0baf5c9e671f57b4&sxsrf=ADLYWIKD7YNYORJfISz3zx0_ksm18pWQMw%3A1733787278942&ei=jn5XZ-GaOeSQwbkPzb6XMA&ved=0ahUKEwjhmYL37JuKAxVkSDABHU3fBQYQ4dUDCA8&uact=5&oq="bitchu"+"Yasuhiro"+site%3Awww.militaria.co.za&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiLCJiaXRjaHUiICJZYXN1aGlybyIgc2l0ZTp3d3cubWlsaXRhcmlhLmNvLnphSNBtUOIBWN1mcAF4AJABAJgBngGgAesHqgEDOC40uAEDyAEA-AEB-AECmAIBoAIGwgIOEAAYgAQYsAMYhgMYigWYAwCIBgGQBgKSBwExoAfJCA&sclient=gws-wiz-serp

[Bruce Pennington]

May I ask what is being said on the side of the kiku?

[bachmanw]

Bruce - thanks for asking this.  In addition, I would also like to understand the significance of the use of the Mum.

[Bruce Pennington]

Just now, bachmanw said:

significance of the use of the Mum.

You had it right at the beginning - it's a seal of approval, so to speak, that the smith is approved by the Shogunate.