gtstcactus Posted February 27, 2011 Report Posted February 27, 2011 I am considering purchasing this sword. It's an old blade mounted for WWII. Attatched is the best photo I could get of the mei. Apparently part of it says 1790??? I know it's not a great photo, but if anyone can work magic and tell me what it says I'd be so greatful! Jason G
Grey Doffin Posted February 27, 2011 Report Posted February 27, 2011 This might look like WWII era Japanese sword signature? Anyone else get that impression? Grey
gtstcactus Posted February 27, 2011 Author Report Posted February 27, 2011 This might look like WWII era Japanese sword signature? Anyone else get that impression?Grey The seller says its late edo period 1790 to be precise. I've included a couple of pics of the tang.
gtstcactus Posted February 27, 2011 Author Report Posted February 27, 2011 My guess;義光作 - Yoshimitsu saku Any idea when this paticular smith was alive.... Can you see a year in the mei? Just had owner tell me this: There is a nengi on the nakago with the date of tenmei, second year July. Checking the information they gave me that makes it 1781, not 1790.
Wickstrom Posted February 27, 2011 Report Posted February 27, 2011 Jason, Go to Nihontoclub.com, there is a rather large smith database there. Also, I suggest you get in contact with Grey Doffin. He's a member here who sells a great set of sword kanji flashcards for around 20-25 bucks, which are very useful.
george trotter Posted February 28, 2011 Report Posted February 28, 2011 I agree with Grey, this mei has the look of WWII Seki gunto. It would be helpful if you showed a pic of the date and also the sword itself....just a feeling. Regards, George.
Grey Doffin Posted February 28, 2011 Report Posted February 28, 2011 Hi Jason, If this is a Showato gussied up to look older, you might find a spot above the mei where an arsenal stamp was removed. Look for evidence of peening and/or discontinuous yasurime where the stamp would have been. Grey
gtstcactus Posted February 28, 2011 Author Report Posted February 28, 2011 there are pics of this sword in this thread http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=9794
John A Stuart Posted February 28, 2011 Report Posted February 28, 2011 It certainly looks to be Tenmei ni nen, 1782. John
kusunokimasahige Posted February 28, 2011 Report Posted February 28, 2011 See also: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=9794
Recommended Posts