markings on Jumonji Yari

[Chas]

I would appreciate any assistance.  I inherited the head of a Jumonji Yari polearm from my (American) father who was in Japan at the end of WW2.  There are markings on the tang which are difficult to photograph.  If you recognize any of this please let me know.  I have attempted to insert them into this topic to make them easier to see. 

 

The blade is a diamond shape with a hexagonal kerakubi.  Thanks and best wishes.

 

 

 

Chas in Virginia

[Ray Singer]

Looks like 上野守菅原包宗 - (Kozuke no kami Sugawara Kanemune) 

[Chas]

Does that mean this MIGHT have been made by either Kozuke no kami Sugawara Kanemune in the late 1600s or Kozuke no kami Sugawara Kanemune in the mid 1800s?

[Ray Singer]

I don't see such an individual in the 1800s. Per Sesko, he worked circa Kanbun (1661).

[Chas]

Thank you Ray!  Wow hard for me to grasp that this weapon may have come from pretty early in the Edo period and survived 350+ years.

[Ray Singer]

From the standpoint of antique Japanese swords, this is actually not very old. It is a shinto blade (Shinto meaning 'new sword'). 

[Chas]

Thanks again Ray.  I would attempt to clean the blade but I am hesitant to do so.  It has been untouched since acquired in Nagasaki in 1945.  The blade is still sharp on all sides!  If not of a lot of value, it would be interesting to try and get it better looking.

 

Best wishes from Virginia,

Chas

[Ray Singer]

Chas, it is best not to do anything at all to try to clean the blade or remove rust on your own. If you would like to improve the condition, I would recommend speaking with a professional polisher to do so. Message me if you need any recommendations. 

 

Best regards, 

Ray