Mei translation assistance

[Rounin]

When my grandfather passed away he left behind this katana. I asked my Japanese teacher if she could translate it and she said it was Chinese. I asked my Chinese friend and he said it's traditional Chinese. One of my Chinese coworkers said the inscription says "Hasegawa". On the Asian Art Forum, someone said it is Japanese, and the inscription reads "繁慶" (Hankei) which I do see that resemblance and it seems to be the most likely option. Then, I went to the SBG sword forum and someone thinks it reads "Shigeyoshi" but that the signature looks weird and inauthentic. If anyone can confidently translate this, and get an approximate date on it, that would be wonderful, thank you.

 

[Toryu2020]

I would agree Shigeyoshi - a well regarded smith thus you want to be cautious. Could we see a photo of the whole tang?

 

-tom

[Rounin]

17 minutes ago, Toryu2020 said:

I would agree Shigeyoshi - a well regarded smith thus you want to be cautious. Could we see a photo of the whole tang?

 

-tom

Sure, I just took multiple photos of the front back of tang, and tip of blade if that helps.

[ROKUJURO]

Infos on HANKEI:

https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/hankei-繁慶/?srsltid=AfmBOoqRnUAVVM7X1aUT4IErO36bCUF2ZxVhUu2ZXHaBZJlsmCET8pcG

[Toryu2020]

The key piece of information is that Hankei carved his signature and did not chisel it (see the pictures in Jean's link) - I am sure this is why folks are skeptical of the signature...

 

-t

[Rounin]

Here are some photos with more effort, contrast, measurements, and lighting.