help with mei please

[Mark]

can anyone help with this mei.......... it seems to read (Bi) Shu Osafune ??? Mitsu, my first thought was Norimitsu but there is a clear horizontal stroke at the bottom on the ??kanji that does not make sense for Nori, i thought maybe Tsune but that does not look right either........any suggestions?

 

thansk!

[Bugyotsuji]

Late at night and my eyes and cricked neck are playing tricks but can I see Tada- there? Elements of Nori- too. What is going on?

[Curran]

I thought Nori Mitsu, but can't see the character before it.

[SwordGuyJoe]

I see Naga*something* Norimitsu

[Jacques]

Hi,

 

Osafune Norimitsu 長船則光

[cabowen]

Bishu Osafune Norimitsu

[Mark]

thanks to all! I had thought that but the strange stroke sort or threw me, good to have second opinions

[Curran]

Now a picture of the tanto, onegaishimasu? :lol:

[Mark]

Curran,

 

It is a 15" hirazukuri blade with sori, so not sure if Nambukcho or early 1400's. The blade has been cleaned with some type of metal cleaner, it has not damaged the blade but made it very shiny so hard to take a decent photo. I will take a couple and post them shortly as you asked